© BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
Former Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson Agrees To Terms With Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson is officially an NFL player.
According to reports, Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $21.96 million. The Falcons also have the fifth-year option at their disposal, thus keeping the former Texas tailback in their locker room through potentially the 2027 season.
Drafted eighth overall, Robinson became the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Multiple scouts believed from a talent standpoint, Robinson made a case for being one of the draft's safer prospects even with a running back's decreasing role to an offense in recent years.
Now signed, Robinson should carve out a functional role with the NFC South franchise. Atlanta, led by third-year coach Arthur Smith, primarily has focalized its success on the run game since 2021. Last season, the Falcons finished third in rushing yards (159.9 yards per game), fourth in yards per attempt (4.9) and 10th in rushing touchdowns (17).
Ty Allgeier, a former fourth-round pick out of BYU, became the first Falcons running back since DeVonta Freeman (2016) to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. Robinson, a two-time first-team All-Big 12 running back, isn't expected to take away from his carries but rather enhance the offensive production alongside young talents tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London and quarterback Desmond Ridder.
"Some of the things that we were going to ask him to do, you see it on the tape, with the background, not just the running back, the running back stuff was obvious on the tape, but the versatility part where you use him and where he has been effective," Smith told reporters following draft night. "I mean, he did that at Texas at times, but his background, playing in the slot, was another big piece of it.
"We feel he is an explosive weapon, a home run hitter; however, he gets the football in his hands."
Robinson joins Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the only first-round picks to sign their rookie deals. Carter, considered by some as the draft's top prospect, agreed to terms on a four-year, $21.8 million fully guaranteed contract. Smith-Njigba, one of the top receivers', inked a four-year deal that also features a fifth-year option Thursday afternoon.
Last season, Robinson proved to be one of the nation's top players en route to winning the Doak Walker Award. He rushed for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns on 539 carries while catching 60 passes for 805 yards and eight touchdowns.
Robinson was also named a consensus All-American and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
