Top RBs Advised to Holdout for Contract Extensions

Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs told to skip offseason workouts until new deals are reached

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and powerful poses of two football players, their identities obscured into an abstract, cubist composition.Two elite running backs, their explosive power and agility deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, symbolizing the high-stakes contract negotiations that could define their careers.Atlanta Today

NFL analyst Mike Florio has advised top running backs Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions to hold out from team activities until they receive lucrative contract extensions. Both players are set to become free agents in 2028, but Florio believes they should push for new deals now while their stock is high after breakout seasons.

Why it matters

Running backs have a short shelf life in the NFL, so securing long-term financial security is crucial. Robinson and Gibbs have established themselves as elite talents, and holding out could force their teams to pay market-level salaries to keep them.

The details

Florio argued that Robinson and Gibbs should "do not enter the facility" and "do not pick up a weight" until they get their "second contract." He believes the Falcons and Lions should prioritize extending these stars, who both had over 1,400 rushing yards last season, to avoid any injury risk before they get paid.

  • Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are both set to become free agents in 2028.
  • Robinson had 1,456 rushing yards in 2024 and 1,478 yards in 2025.
  • Gibbs had 1,412 rushing yards in his breakout 2024 season.

The players

Bijan Robinson

A running back for the Atlanta Falcons who had over 1,400 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons.

Jahmyr Gibbs

A running back for the Detroit Lions who had over 1,400 rushing yards in his breakout 2024 season.

Mike Florio

An NFL analyst who has advised Robinson and Gibbs to hold out for contract extensions.

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What they’re saying

“I ain't showing up for the offseason program if I'm Bijan Robinson. 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.”

— Mike Florio, NFL Analyst

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Robinson and Gibbs will heed Florio's advice and hold out for new contracts, or if their teams will proactively extend them before the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The cases of Robinson and Gibbs highlight the precarious position of elite running backs in the NFL, who must balance maximizing their earning potential with the risk of injury. Their decisions could set a precedent for how top young talents handle contract negotiations going forward.