Dale Zanine- Imagn Images
It wasn’t that long ago when it was blasphemous in NFL circles to talk about giving a running back a sizable second contract. Long-term contract extensions for former Rams running back Todd Gurley and former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott backfired spectacularly, and running backs were devalued all over the NFL.
Fast forward to now, and that’s started to change. Running backs like Philadelphia Eagle Saquon Barkley and Baltimore Raven Derrick Henry have had monster years after getting paid in free agency, and second-year Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is taking notice.
Even though running backs aren’t selected in the first round of the NFL Draft as often as they used to be, Bijan Robinson still managed to be a top-ten pick, as Atlanta selected him eighth-overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s been a star since entering the NFL, totaling 3,350 scrimmage yards and 23 touchdowns in two years. And, he won’t turn 23 until this summer. He could be one of the league’s best running backs for a long time.
It was going to be tough for him to get a big second contract after his five-year rookie deal expired after the 2027 season. But, Saquon Barkley had over 2000 yards rushing this year, and Derrick Henry nearly had a 2000-yard season, as well. Both of those guys made their offenses much better, too.
That’s a big development for Bijan Robinson and other young running backs like Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs.
On Sunday, Barkley went off against the Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. He went over 200 yards rushing, and had two long touchdown runs in yet another signature performance. Bijan made sure to acknowledge that Saquon was doing him a solid.
Man Saquon thank you for making us RB’s look amazing. This position is looking great🔥🙂
— Bijan Robinson (@Bijan5Robinson) January 19, 2025
As long as he stays healthy, Bijan should have a big contract extension coming at some point. He can thank players like Saquon Barkley for that.