The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with running back Bijan Robinson, securing the fourth-year player through the 2030 season and making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. The extension, announced on Tuesday, is valued at up to $75 million including incentives, with $51 million guaranteed. The base value of $66.75 million translates to an average annual salary of $22.25 million, surpassing Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley’s average of $20.6 million per year.

Robinson shared his enthusiasm about the deal on social media, reposting the NFL’s announcement and writing, “God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!” Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his excitement for both Robinson and the team, highlighting the importance of having the star player committed as they prepare for the upcoming season.

This contract extension is part of the Falcons’ broader strategy to retain key offensive players. Recently, the team also extended left guard Matthew Bergeron’s contract for four years and signed new deals with wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts during the offseason.

Robinson, who led the league last season with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns, returned to practice on Tuesday. Stefanski noted that with Robinson’s contract now secured, the coaching staff can focus on gradually ramping up his participation in training. “It means obviously as a coach, you want to get your guys ready for the football season and it allows us to get Bijan ready,” Stefanski said. “He’s eager, beyond eager, to get out here. So on that note, we’ll slowly get him back in there... We’ll have a plan here for the next week or ramp him up.”

A recent preseason survey conducted by a panel of eight Associated Press Pro Football Writers ranked Robinson as the NFL’s top running back, reflecting widespread recognition of his performance and potential.

Though specific contract terms were not publicly disclosed, a person with knowledge of the details confirmed the figures to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The extension underscores Robinson’s rising stature in the league and the Falcons' commitment to building their offense around foundational players.