Former first-round pick running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are each due up for a long-term contract extension this offseason. Amid the discussion, a former NFL QB offered a warning to the two young stars that may put the Atlanta Falcons’ and Detroit Lions’ future plans in jeopardy.
Chris Simms Warns Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs
Many organizations, including the Falcons, have already begun to report for offseason workouts. Soon enough, players from all teams will be asked to participate in a voluntary minicamp and organized team activities.
However, former NFL QB Chris Simms believes both Robinson and Gibbs should not participate this spring to mitigate any potential injury risk. He talked about the running backs on NBC’s “Pro Football Talk.”
“You don’t need to do OTAs,” Simms said. “We don’t need to see you catch a little angle route over the middle on April 29th, or at this point. They know how good you are, so don’t take those risks. But, yeah, they need to be paid.”
“And we talk about the running backs all the time, and these are two of the better running backs we’ve seen in a while,” Simms added. “It’s rockets up your butt. It’s breaking ankles. They are awesome to watch, Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. They’re two of the five or six most explosive offensive players in football. They are worth a lot of damn money, so be careful.”
As Simms noted, Robinson and Gibbs are premier backs. Since entering the league in 2023, Robinson has consistently posted over 1,400 yards from scrimmage, 50+ receptions, and 8+ touchdowns each season.
Robinson also earned two Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors thanks to his outstanding play in 2025. According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, this past season, he posted an 86.5 impact score, ranking third among all running backs.
Meanwhile, Gibbs has been just as impressive. Across his three seasons, he’s posted at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage, hauled in 50 passes, and has found the end zone 11 or more times, all while being in a timeshare with former Lion David Montgomery.
Gibbs has also appeared in the Pro Bowl each of his three seasons and, in 2023-24, helped Detroit to its first playoff win(s) since 1991-92. Gibbs earned a 75.7 impact score, placing 9th among all runners in 2025.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Despite Robinson and Gibbs having only three years of NFL experience, they have already given their respective organizations everything and should command record-breaking contracts heading into 2026.
Expect both stars to be paid soon, as Detroit and Atlanta prefer to have their top playmakers on the field this spring.
