Falcons Exercise 2027 Option for Star RB Bijan Robinson

The 24-year-old running back is coming off a historic 2025 season with the Falcons.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:25am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Falcons' team colors of red, black, and white, conceptually representing the multifaceted talent and importance of Bijan Robinson to the Atlanta franchise.The Falcons' decision to retain star running back Bijan Robinson through 2027 solidifies him as the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons have exercised their fifth-year option for star running back Bijan Robinson, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. Robinson, 24, is coming off a standout 2025 campaign where he set the franchise record with 2,298 total yards from scrimmage, leading the NFL. He will earn $11.323 million in base salary in 2027 under the team's option.

Why it matters

Retaining Robinson, one of the league's elite running backs, is a major priority for the Falcons as they look to build around their young offensive core. His combination of power, speed, and receiving ability makes him a game-changing talent that Atlanta wants to keep as the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.

The details

Robinson signed a four-year, $21.9 million contract as a rookie in 2023. In 2026, he will have a base salary of $1.1 million, a prorated signing bonus of $3.2 million, and a roster bonus of $2.6 million, with a total cap hit of $6,986,809. The Falcons' decision to exercise his fifth-year option for 2027 will pay him a base salary of $11.323 million that season.

  • The Falcons exercised Robinson's 2027 option on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Robinson is coming off a standout 2025 season where he set the franchise record with 2,298 total yards from scrimmage.

The players

Bijan Robinson

A 24-year-old running back for the Atlanta Falcons who was voted to the Pro Bowl the last two seasons, was first-team All-Pro in 2025, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 2023.

Ian Cunningham

The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons who said he was excited to get to know Robinson and start dialogue with him.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons who praised Robinson's on-field abilities and off-field leadership.

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What they’re saying

“He is one of the best players at his position, one of the best players in the league. I was excited that I had already had the chance to get to know him and start some dialogue with him.”

— Ian Cunningham, Atlanta Falcons General Manager

“There's no shortage in what he can do for the football team on the field. But also the person that he is off the field and what he brings to our locker room, and to the question earlier about culture and being a player-driven culture, he's a driver of that just because of how he attacks each day.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons Head Coach

What’s next

The Falcons will look to build their offense around Bijan Robinson as he enters the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2026 and then plays out the 2027 season under the team's fifth-year option.

The takeaway

Exercising the fifth-year option on Bijan Robinson shows the Falcons' commitment to making the young running back the centerpiece of their offense for years to come. His elite production and leadership make him a foundational piece as Atlanta looks to return to the playoffs.