Contract talks relating to the biggest names in the NFL are one of the biggest features of the offseason, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs are in focus. Having established themselves as essential components in their respective offenses, fans are expecting them to sign major extensions soon.
But will they stay with their current teams?
Mike Florio Calls for Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs To Take ‘Zero’ Risk
NFL players tend to aggressively tackle contract negotiations to ensure they secure as much money as possible, given how easily they can get injured or fall into a slump. One technique the league’s top players have used with some success is holding out. Playing a daring game of chicken with the general manager often pays dividends.
NFL analyst Mike Florio similarly believes Robinson and Gibbs should hold out to secure big contracts while their stock is high. He talked about the star running backs on NBC’s “Pro Football Talk.”
“I ain’t showing up for the offseason program if I’m Bijan Robinson,” Florio said. “If I’m Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs, do not enter the facility. Do not pick up a weight. Do not put on a cleat. Do not do anything until you get your second contract. That’s a no-brainer.”
Robinson and Gibbs are both set to become free agents only in 2028. However, Florio is convinced they should already push for new contracts in 2026.
“I’m sorry, Falcons fans, Lions fans, you just want everything to be fine,” he added. “Well, the sooner your organizations take care of these guys, then it’ll all be fine because they both deserve massive market-level paydays, and they should take zero risk with their health now or in the future until they get those contracts.”
Robinson saw his breakout year in his second season when he topped his 976-yard rookie performance with a staggering 1,456 yards in 2024. Moreover, he set another personal best this past season, rushing for 1,478 yards and leading the NFL in longest run with a 93-yard run. According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, the Falcons star was the third-highest rated running back in the league last season with an impact score of 86.5.
Gibbs, on the other hand, saw a similar early career trajectory, making his mark in his second year, where he ran for 1,412 yards. His long-term outlook might look better than that of Robinson, though. Playing under head coach Dan Campbell, who’s proven his offensive savvy, projects higher than Robinson, who’ll play under a losing head coach in Kevin Stefanski.
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Both running backs, nonetheless, deserve top-end contracts, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Falcons and Lions handle their respective situations. New York Jets icon Darrelle Revis is one of the scarce few who’ve successfully held out to secure a big deal back in 2010.
How successful will Robinson and Gibbs be?
