Bijan Robinson just inked a massive three-year extension with the Falcons this week, a deal that pays him an average of $22.25 million annually and makes him the highest-paid running back in the entire league. Talk about setting the market! But while Robinson’s contract drama is over, his buddy Jahmyr Gibbs is still stuck in the middle of his own hold-in with the Lions, trying to get his deal done.
The Record Deal and the RB Brotherhood
This isn’t just a win for Bijan, it’s a seismic shift for the entire running back market. Robinson’s $22.25 million per year is a huge number that resets expectations for backs across the NFL. These guys take a beating, right? So seeing one of the league’s young stars get paid like this? You gotta love it. The money is massive, and it shows the Falcons are all in on Robinson being a cornerstone of their offense for years to come.
What’s really wild is that Robinson and Gibbs, who went just four picks apart in the 2023 first round, have been commiserating all offseason about their contract situations. Robinson told reporters on Wednesday that they’d been on the phone, telling each other, “Just hang in there, everything’s going to get done, everything’s going to be all right.” It’s a real brotherhood out there when guys like this are going through similar battles, supporting each other even as they fight for their own bag.
Gibbs’ Holdout Continues: What’s Next?
While Robinson can breathe easy and focus on the upcoming season, Gibbs is still grinding through his hold-in. You have to wonder what’s going through his head right now, seeing his friend secure that monster deal. Robinson himself said he hopes Gibbs “gets the most out of what he deserves because he deserves it , deserves it all.” That’s real talk from a guy who just went through it.
The interesting thing is, Gibbs could actually top Robinson’s record-setting number. With their parallel career arcs, Robinson thinks the “Bijan-Gibbs debate is actually cool to see” and that it “actually helps us both out.” It creates a competitive market for top-tier running backs, which is something we haven’t always seen. For the Lions, getting Gibbs back on the field is crucial. His absence during this crucial preseason prep can definitely impact their early team form.
We’re still waiting to see how the Lions and Gibbs work this out, but you can bet the rest of the league, and especially every running back, is watching closely. This is more than just a couple of contract disputes; it’s a statement about the value of the position. When Gibbs finally signs, it’ll be another huge moment that could shape the running back market even further.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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