Falcons Pick Up Bijan Robinson’s Fifth-Year Option

To no surprise, the Falcons have exercised Bijan Robinson‘s fifth-year option, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports. The superstar running back is now in line to earn $11.32MM in 2027.

Since going eighth overall in the 2023 draft, Robinson has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier players. The former Texas Longhorn fell just shy of 1,000 yards rushing as a rookie (976), but he exceeded 1,400 in each of the past two seasons. Robinson has also amassed 198 receptions, including 79 last year, and 34 touchdowns (25 rushing, nine receiving). Along with posting elite production, Robinson has been eminently durable. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has yet to miss a game.

Robinson’s 1,478 rushing yards ranked fourth in the league in 2025. The 24-year-old notched another 820 yards through the air, good for 20th overall, and scored 11 times (seven rushing, four receiving). Along with earning his second Pro Bowl invitation, Robinson was a first-team All-Pro running back and a second-team All-Pro as an all-purpose player.

Having made the no-brainer decision to pick up Robinson’s option, the Falcons’ new front office leaders – president of football Matt Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham – could turn their attention to an extension after the draft. Locking up Robinson and star wide receiver Drake London will be priorities, though there should be more urgency in the latter’s case. London is due to reach free agency in a year, while Robinson will remain in place for at least two more seasons.

An extension for Robinson will make him one of the league’s highest-paid running backs, if not the highest. The Saints’ Travis Etienne and the Packers’ Josh Jacobs top the position in total value ($48MM). The Eagles’ Saquon Barkley ($20.6MM) and the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey ($19MM) lead in average annual salary, while the former is No. 1 in guarantees ($36MM). Robinson has a strong argument to surpass all of them, especially with the salary cap continuing to rise.