Bijan Robinson Extension Sets New Market Benchmark for Jahmyr Gibbs

The NFL running back market has officially broken new ground. The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a high-stakes contract extension with Bijan Robinson, setting a lucrative financial benchmark that directly impacts the Detroit Lions and their own young offensive centerpiece, Jahmyr Gibbs, according to reporting from Yahoo Sports.

Bijan Robinson Extension Establishes the New Running Back Market

The Atlanta Falcons secured their star offensive weapon on a three-year extension worth $66.75 million, which includes $51 million in guaranteed money and another $8.25 million available through performance incentives, as detailed by Yahoo Sports. While initial reports highlighted a maximum annual value of $25 million, the deal averages $22.25 million per season in new money.

Robinson and Gibbs have shared parallel trajectories since entering the league. The Falcons selected Robinson eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, while Detroit general manager Brad Holmes drafted Gibbs four picks later at number 12. Both players quickly emerged as elite, three-down threats capable of taking over a game as runners and receivers.

Contract Nuances and the Challenge Facing Brad Holmes

For Brad Holmes and the Lions, Robinson’s contract provides a definitive floor for negotiations. Gibbs is scheduled to carry a cap hit of approximately $5.68 million in 2026, followed by a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $14.293 million in 2027, according to Yahoo Sports. However, financial analysts note that old-money totals play a major role in calculating true averages.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons Agree to Record 3-Year, $75M Extension

If Gibbs merely matches Robinson’s new-money average, he would actually need to clear an additional $2.409 million over the next five years due to his existing contract structure. To truly command the market, Gibbs’ camp could push for a five-year pact approaching a real $25 million annual average.

Both Gibbs and Robinson turned 24 in the offseason and are on the cusp of securing lucrative contract extensions that should establish them as the two highest-paid running backs in the NFL on a per-year basis. Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane previously received a four-year, $64 million extension, but unlike Robinson and Gibbs, Achane was not a first-round pick and did not have a fifth-year option to pick up.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted on an episode of The Insiders that both Robinson and Gibbs desire to sit atop the running back market, though a central question remains regarding who will finalize a deal first. Garafolo suggested the situation could resemble a standoff between two players seeking to gauge the bar set by the market. Garafolo expressed belief that both extensions will likely be finalized before the start of the regular season and that both players will rank near the top of the running back market. He added that the Lions might need to act first due to the increased responsibilities Gibbs will shoulder following the trade of running back David Montgomery to Houston.

Both players have proven exceptionally productive since entering the league. Through three seasons, Robinson holds an advantage in total yardage with 3,910 rushing yards and 1,738 receiving yards compared to Gibbs’ 3,580 rushing yards and 1,449 receiving yards. However, Gibbs holds a distinct edge in total touchdowns at 49 to 34 while playing in Detroit’s high-powered offense.

Gibbs Missing Practice While Talks Continue in Detroit

While negotiations unfold behind the scenes, Gibbs has missed the Lions’ first five training camp practices. He remains present at the team facility, attending meetings and observing portions of workouts. When asked about his timeline to return to full participation, Gibbs told reporters that only time will tell, while pushing back against the idea that a new deal is a strict prerequisite for stepping back onto the field, as noted by Yahoo Sports.

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Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the ongoing situation with typical calm, stating last week, it'll come as it comes. Detroit management expresses little worry over the negotiation process, and teammates share a supportive stance regarding Gibbs’ future earnings.

Highlighting Gibbs’ unique on-field value, Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams told reporters, I wouldn’t even say look at the stats; look at the film. Nobody close. He’s the best.