The Atlanta Falcons have made Bijan Robinson of Tucson, Arizona the highest paid running back in National Football League history according to the Associated Press on Tuesday. Robinson is signing a three-year contract extension worth $66.75 million.
Robinson will now be making $22.25 million per year. As part of the contract, $51 million is guaranteed, and Robinson can make up to $75 million over the next three seasons with incentives.
The previously highest paid running back was Saquon Barkley of The Bronx, New York. He is currently making $20.6 million with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robinson has only been in the National Football League for three seasons, but has made his impact felt. Since becoming the Falcons’s first round pick, eighth overall, out of the University of Texas in the 2023 NFL Draft, Robinson has arguably become one of the best running backs in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowler has 3910 rushing yards with 25 rushing touchdowns, with 1738 receiving yards and nine touchdowns catches.
Robinson’s 3910 rushing yards over the last three years are the third most in the NFL. He is only behind Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens (4683) and Barkley (4107).
This past season, Robinson had 287 rushes for 1478 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also had 79 catches for 820 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. Robinson’s most notable touchdown run in 2025 came in a 27-24 Falcons win over the Los Angeles Rams on December 29. Robinson had a 93 yard touchdown run, the longest touchdown run in the NFL last season. The major score put the Falcons up 21-0 at the time.
