Ex-NFL QB Warns Top RBs to Hold Out for Contracts

Chris Simms advises Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs to skip voluntary workouts until they get paid.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:39pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring two football players in motion, their forms blurred and distorted in a swirl of vibrant neon colors and expressive brushstrokes, capturing the raw power and dynamism of elite running backs.Two star running backs' contract standoff could disrupt their teams' offseason plans with their explosive talent and earning power.Atlanta Today

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms is urging top running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs to hold out of voluntary offseason workouts until they receive long-term contract extensions from the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. Simms believes the two young stars, who have been among the league's most productive backs since entering the NFL in 2023, are worth 'a lot of damn money' and should not risk injury by participating in non-mandatory team activities.

Why it matters

Robinson and Gibbs are two of the most explosive offensive players in the NFL, and their teams are eager to have them on the field this spring. However, Simms' warning could put the Falcons' and Lions' offseason plans in jeopardy if the running backs heed his advice and hold out until they receive contract extensions.

The details

Since entering the league in 2023, Robinson has consistently posted over 1,400 yards from scrimmage, 50+ receptions, and 8+ touchdowns each season. He has earned two Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors. Gibbs has been just as impressive, posting at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage, 50 receptions, and 11 or more touchdowns in each of his three seasons, while also making the Pro Bowl each year.

  • Robinson and Gibbs are due for contract extensions this offseason.
  • Teams are beginning to report for voluntary offseason workouts.

The players

Bijan Robinson

A top running back for the Atlanta Falcons who has been one of the most productive players in the NFL since entering the league in 2023.

Jahmyr Gibbs

A top running back for the Detroit Lions who has also been one of the league's most impressive young players over the past three seasons.

Chris Simms

A former NFL quarterback who is now an analyst for NBC's 'Pro Football Talk'.

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What they’re saying

“You don't need to do OTAs. 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.”

— Chris Simms, Former NFL Quarterback

“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. 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.”

— Chris Simms, Former NFL Quarterback

What’s next

The Falcons and Lions will need to decide how to handle the contract situations of Robinson and Gibbs, potentially negotiating new deals to keep the star running backs on the field for voluntary offseason workouts.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the growing power of top running backs in the NFL, who can leverage their elite production to demand lucrative contract extensions. If Robinson and Gibbs heed Simms' warning, it could significantly impact the offseason plans of the Falcons and Lions as they try to build around their young offensive stars.