Cashing In: Running Backs Robinson, Taylor Sign Extensions

It’s been a busy week as far as contract negotiations go in the NFL. As mentioned previously, Stefon Diggs came off the board as an option for teams as the receiver signed a one-year, $12 million contract with Washington. That was far from the lone deal we’ve heard about this week, nor was it the biggest contract handed out.

A pair of elite running backs signed new deals this week, potentially resetting the market for the position. There’s still another big name back that is holding in at training camp in search of a new deal as well. Let’s take a look at the two that signed and the one that is still looking for a new contract with the Hall of Fame Game on tap this evening.

Bijan Robinson Inks Extension With Falcons

Bijan Robinson was a hold-in as training camp started last week for the Falcons as he sought a new contract. On Tuesday, the hold-in ended as he signed a three-year extension worth up to $75 million with $51 million guaranteed. With the deal, Robinson becomes the league’s highest-paid running back (for the moment) at $22.5 million per season. We say at the moment because Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions is still holding in as he angles for a new deal so he could surpass Robinson in the near future.

As for Robinson, it’s a deal that is in line with his production for the Falcons. With Atlanta having a QB situation that is in flux, Robinson is going to be leaned on to drive the offense. He earned first team All-Pro honors last season after carrying the ball 287 times for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, he added 79 receptions for 820 yards and four scores. Robinson led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2025. With Tyler Allgeier signing with Arizona, one has to think that opens the door for more touches for Bijan this season. Brian Robinson Jr. is the backup at this stage.

One has to think that Robinson remains the focal point offensively, even with Drake London and Kyle Pitts signing extensions this offseason. Seeing who emerges at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. is something to watch as well.

Colts, Jonathan Taylor Work Out New Deal

Indianapolis was rolling last season before Daniel Jones went down with injury. After he was lost for the year, the Colts fell apart offensively and ended up missing the playoffs. Jonathan Taylor ran 323 times for 1,585 yards and a league-high 18 rushing scores last season. However, he hit the wall in the stretch run of the year. Taylor didn’t run for more than 87 yards in his final seven games. In addition, he averaged 3.6 yards per carry or less in six of those contests.

Nonetheless, Jones is expected to return healthy this season. Taylor, who turns 28 in January, is back at running back. Thursday, the Colts made sure that remained the case for the next few years. It was announced that the two sides agreed to a two-year extension worth $44 million. The deal is worth up to $47 million and has $39 million guaranteed. It keeps Taylor in the fold through the 2028 campaign with Indianapolis. The deal also gives some financial stability for Taylor, who carried a heavy load for the Colts’ run game last season. No other running back ran for more than 96 yards for Indianapolis last season. Meanwhile, Jones was the team’s second-leading rusher with 166 yards.

Jahmyr Gibbs Still Looking for Deal

Unlike the two above him, Gibbs still awaits a new deal with the Lions. He ran 243 times for 1,223 yards and 13 scores last season. In addition, he added 77 receptions for 616 yards and five additional scores for the Lions. After being part of a time share with David Montgomery, Montgomery was dealt to Houston in the offseason. The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco from Kansas City in free agency but it’s clear that Gibbs is the number one back this season.

While Gibbs has yet to ink a new deal, there are signs pointing to it being done soon. He returned to practice Thursday in full uniform and worked off to the side with trainers. That shows he’s getting acclimated to the rigors of a full training camp situation. It also means that a new deal is on the horizon. How much Gibbs gets and where he fits in the hierarchy of contracts at the position is to be determined.

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