Falcons pick up Bijan Robinson’s 5th-year option weeks ahead of the deadline

Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) poses with Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In incredibly unsurprising news, the Falcons have picked up Bijan Robinson's fifth-year option, guaranteeing the star RB is with the Falcons on a rookie deal at least through the 2027 NFL season.

From the team's release:

Robinson was originally selected by the Falcons eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas. In three seasons, he hasplayed in51 games (50 starts) and has recorded 805 carries for3,910 yardsand 25 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he haspulled in198receptions for1,738 yardsand nine receiving touchdowns for the Falcons.Robinsonwas nameda 2025first-teamAssociated PressAll-Proas a running backas well assecond-teamall-purpose. He was also selectedtothe Pro Bowl for the secondconsecutiveseason(2024-25).

In 2025, Robinsonstartedall17 games,recording287carriesfor1,478 yardsand seven touchdowns,including a 93-yard touchdown. Additionally, he caught79passesfor820 yardsand four touchdowns with a long of 69yards.Heledthe league in total yards from scrimmage,finishingthe season with 2,298 scrimmage yards.

Robinson is one of the league's best backs, and his cap hit next season is just $6.9 million, which is significantly less than the highest-paid running backs are making. His cap hit for 2027 is projected to be about $11.3 million, per Spotrac. But the 2026 franchise tag number for running backs - the average of the top five salaries at the position in 2026 - is over $14 million, so it's still a bit of a bargain for a player of Robinson's caliber.

The deadline to pick up the fifth-year options of 2023 first-round draft picks is May 1, so Atlanta wasted no time, and that's the right call. Not only is Robinson one of the Falcons' most talented players; you won't find a harder worker or a more delightful person in the NFL.

Picking up Bijan's option is a no-brainer, and a pleasant little Friday news dump to take us into the weekend.