Could the Falcons All-Pro Running Back Reset the Market in 2026?
Amid the usual offseason drag, extensions for players from the 2023 NFL Draft are expected to be signed in the next few months. Some players have already had their fifth-year option picked up, while others need to prove their worth during the 2026 season. One team with a major looming extension is the Atlanta Falcons. An extension that is set to reset the running back market for the third year in a row.
Bijan Robinson has been nothing but electric for the Falcons ever since he was drafted eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texas product has racked up over 5,000 scrimmage yards and 34 touchdowns in his three years as a pro. Robinson has quickly risen in the ranks and is arguably the best running back in the entire NFL. Being the best means you’re probably going to get paid the best, which is what it’s currently looking like for the former Longhorn. The 24-year-old has been so good that not only will his deal probably change the market, but it may change how teams view the running back position as a whole.
The NFL has begun to shift from the narrative that “running backs are the most replaceable position,” with running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Barkley’s 2024 campaign, in particular, reset the running back market at the time, signing a two-year, $41.2 million contract to stay on the Eagles. Kristopher Knox at Bleacher Report reported that the deals for halfbacks like Robinson or Detroit Lions superstar Jahmyr Gibbs could be even larger. Knox spoke on the Falcons’ tailback, stating, “His ability to fill multiple roles in an offense makes him far more valuable than a typical every-down ball-carrier.” Running backs like Robinson and Gibbs are becoming more sought after because of their impact offensively.
The 24-year-old’s contract is currently projected to be a four-year deal worth around $90 million, according to Knox’s reports. It would be wise for Atlanta to sign a deal as soon as possible, as running backs like Gibbs and Barkley, who are only signed through 2028, will more than likely reset the running back market again. Atlanta has to jump ahead of the market if they want to get the most bang for their buck. The Falcons also have two other major components in their offense that are also due for extensions, which may also reset their own respective markets. Drake London is nearing the end of his rookie deal, and Kyle Pitts has just signed the franchise tag earlier in the 2026 offseason. With their cap space being so limited, Atlanta may have to choose which offensive player deserves an extension the most. Robinson will not be the odd man out in this situation; he’s way too impactful for the Falcons’ offense for that to even be a consideration. Barring a catastrophic injury, the Texas native will be worth every dime once he puts pen to paper.
