Falcons running back Bijan Robinson’s new contract resets the market, pushing the new-money average per year for running backs from $20.6 million to a hefty $22.25 million. That massive figure is now a crucial data point for Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as he heads into his own negotiations. The question everyone’s asking: will Gibbs just try to match Robinson’s number, or is he aiming to blow it away?
The $25 Million Question Hanging Over Robinson and Gibbs
Here’s where it gets interesting. Early reports about Robinson’s deal weren’t even talking about that $22.25 million new-money APY. Instead, they were hyping a maximum value of $25 million per year. Think about that for a second. If you look at what both Robinson and Gibbs bring to the field, their overall skillsets and impact, both these guys really should have been pushing for at least $25 million per year in new-money APY. Robinson only gets to that $25 million if he crushes some serious incentives and escalators. But here’s the kicker: Gibbs still has a shot to hit that $25 million mark with his base APY. That’s a huge distinction and a major leverage point for Gibbs as he sits down to talk turkey.
The “Fugazi” Way Contracts Are Valued
Now, about this “new-money APY” stuff. Let’s be real, it’s a bit of a “fugazi” way to value contracts, but it’s the accepted norm across the league, except when it spits out some absolutely ridiculous numbers. And for Robinson’s new deal, it’s a classic example of how these “extensions” actually work. There are no true extensions where they just staple a new deal onto the end of an old one. Nope. Robinson’s new three-year deal isn’t just added to his two remaining years. What actually happens is he gets a brand-new five-year deal, where all the existing cash from his 2026 and 2027 seasons gets folded right into the new years: 2028, 2029, and 2030. It’s complicated, but it’s how the money moves.
So, what’s next for Gibbs? He’s got Robinson’s numbers on the table, and he’s got a clear path to that $25 million base APY that Robinson might not even hit. The ball is squarely in his court. It’s going to be wild to see if he matches, beats, or completely blows that $22.25 million out of the water.
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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