Tag: Bijan Robinson

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons pick up team option for star RB Bijan Robinson in 2027

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons exercised their fifth-year option for All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson for the 2027 season on Friday.

Robinson, 24, is coming off a stellar third season with the Falcons in 2025 when he set the franchise mark with 2,298 total yards from scrimmage, which led the NFL. He rushed for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns, including a league-long 93-yarder, and caught 79 passes for 820 yards and four TDs.

He will earn $11.323 million in base salary in 2027, the club’s option year, according to Spotrac. Robinson signed a four-year, $21.9 million contract as a rookie in 2023 which in 2026 will pay him 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 cap hit of $6,986,809, per Spotrac.

“He is one of the best players at his position, one of the best players in the league,” Atlanta’s new general manager Ian Cunningham said at the annual NFL league meetings last month in Phoenix. “I was excited that I had already had the chance to get to know him and start some dialogue with him.”

Robinson 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.

Atlanta selected Robinson with the eighth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas.

He has 805 career rushing attempts for 3,910 yards and 25 TDs, and 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and nine TDs in 51 games (50 starts).

“There’s no shortage in what he can do for the football team on the field,” new head coach Kevin Stefanski said this week. “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.”

–Field Level Media

11Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field following a game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons out to prove they’re ‘legit’ after signature win over Bills

Posted on | by Field Level Media

It took the Atlanta Falcons just two games to go from hapless to possible NFC contender.

It’s likely that few Atlanta fans believed on September 21 – following a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers – that the team could confuse and dominate the Buffalo Bills and reigning league MVP Josh Allen just a few weeks later.

But with the NFL’s No. 1 overall defense and a running back in Bijan Robinson that head coach Raheem Morris lauds as the best player in the league, the Falcons’ season has quickly been revived.

Atlanta’s defense, which is allowing just 253.4 yards per game, held Allen to 180 passing yards, while intercepting him twice and sacking him four times.

Robinson tied a career-high with 170 rushing yards and set a franchise record with 238 yards from scrimmage in Monday’s win. He leads the NFL with 822 scrimmage yards (484 rushing, 338 receiving).

“Last night for us was a chance to go out and put our best foot forward and I really was proud of the effectiveness of the guys, being able to execute our game plan and get a big-time win versus a really good opponent,” Morris told reporters on Tuesday following Atlanta’s 24-14 win over Buffalo. “It was a fun team win.”

Morris and company know the team is far from a finished product with a long way to go before snapping a seven-year postseason drought. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who threw for 250 yards and a touchdown on Monday, said after the game that the win makes the Falcons “legit.”

In an NFC that’s shaping up to be as competitive as it’s been in years, Atlanta will have to continue to stack wins. Morris isn’t quite ready to put that label on his 3-2 team.

“We played a legit team, so when Penix says that the win makes us legit, it’s more that he’s giving Buffalo a compliment as opposed to talking about who we are and what we are,” Morris said. “But if you can beat a team like Buffalo, you can put yourself up against anybody in the league.”

The Falcons did sustain a scare up front, as veteran left tackle Jake Matthews didn’t play in the second half with an ankle injury. Seemingly avoiding a massive blow, Morris said the 33-year-old former sixth-overall pick is day-to-day.

“We know who he is. We know that he doesn’t miss anything,” Morris said of Matthews. “We’ll just have to see. But I feel really positive about him and what happened based on not having any idea last night.”

Atlanta will look to post another signature win Sunday night when it travels to face the San Francisco 49ers (4-2).

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) scores a touchdown against Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons trying to wring points out of run game ahead of MNF showcase

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris didn’t hesitate when asked for his team’s identity. But he admitted that identity has to start showing up on the scoreboard.

After a chance to recuperate, it’s likely the Falcons are going to learn a lot about themselves this week, for better or worse.

Atlanta (2-2) followed an atrocious Week 3 performance against the host Carolina Panthers with a 34-27 home win over the Washington Commanders before heading into their Week 5 bye, the earliest in the NFL this year.

The Falcons reconvened this week and Morris spoke to reporters about his run-first offense on Tuesday.

“I think we’re a running football team that’s able to run it on just about anybody with the two guys that we have,” Morris said. “Up front, I think those guys are doing a great job to help us have the ability to run the football.”

To Morris’ point, Atlanta’s 136.5 rushing yards per game rank sixth in the NFL and second in the conference behind Washington (156.4).

Although Atlanta’s impressive ground game — spearheaded by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier — might be the team’s current identity, the Falcons have averaged just 19 points per game and have totaled only three rushing scores from Allgeier and Robinson.

“We’ve got to find ways to score more touchdowns,” Morris said. “The last game was a great example of what we could look like consistently. Obviously, the game before that was not it. … The most important thing for us is scoring touchdowns, stopping touchdowns and finding a way to get the ball back for our guys and really maintain the possession.”

The Falcons are preparing for a Monday clash against the Buffalo Bills (4-1), considered one of the top teams in the league. But Buffalo is coming off its first loss of the season, 23-20 to New England, and the Bills have yielded the league’s fifth-most rushing yards per game (145.6).

Ahead of the Falcons’ first “Monday Night Football” home game in seven years, there should be no excuses for Morris’ team not to be ready for prime time.

“The city deserves it. Our fanbase deserves it,” Morris said of “Monday Night Football” returning to Atlanta. “I love it for our young team to be able to go out there and be in the spotlight. I really love it for our organization more than anything to get that game that means a lot for the week.”

Possibly the best news the Falcons have received is the quick injury turnaround for cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr.

The former second-team All-Pro left Atlanta’s Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings with a hamstring injury, but Morris is optimistic that Terrell will make his return on Monday.

“A.J. is probably going to be the significant one that we’re going to be looking forward to getting back in this game,” Morris said. “Obviously, he’ll be out there practicing with us all week. We’ll take it right up there to game time, but we’ll be feeling good about it.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) passes to tight end Kyle Pitts (8) against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Smith: Falcons need ‘more explosives’ to complement run game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If the Atlanta Falcons expect to get back into the win column when they play the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday, they will have to re-establish their running game following a 20-6 road loss to Detroit.

The Lions held the Falcons’ (2-1) vaunted rushing attack, led by dynamic rookie Bijan Robinson, to just 44 yards. And due to Atlanta’s inability to get the running backs going, Detroit was able to take aim at second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, who was sacked seven times.

It showed just how important the Falcons’ run game is to their success.

“We dropped back more than we had in a while,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said in Monday’s press conference. “The run game is not going to be great every week. When we are not getting the counters off the run game and getting those going, whether that’s in the play-actions, screens or movement passes, well, that does really make you one-dimensional.”

Despite the disappointing showing in Detroit, Atlanta enters its matchup with the Jaguars (1-2) ranked ninth in the league in rushing (128.3 yards per game). Conversely, the Falcons sit 28th in passing yards (155 yards per game).

Through three games, Robinson is the team’s leader in rushing (213 yards) and receptions (14 for 102 yards and a score). Wideout Mack Hollins has just seven catches, but he leads Atlanta at 114 yards.

Tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off his best game of the season (five catches for 41 yards) against Detroit, but he and second-year receiver Drake London, two of the team’s most explosive players, have yet to take the top off defenses.

Smith felt the offense needs to connect on more big plays in the passing game.

“It’s not for a lack of trying, but we’ve got to hit some more explosives,” Smith said.

After winning its opener against the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville has dropped consecutive games to the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.

Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence has completed 73 of 113 passes for 736 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions, through three games. Tailback Travis Etienne is the team’s leading rusher with 205 yards and a score on 49 carries. He’s also caught 11 passes for 79 yards.

Tight end Evan Engram has made 18 receptions for 173 yards for Jacksonville but has yet to find the end zone this season. Former Falcon Calvin Ridley has 13 receptions for 173 yards and a score.

Smith wants his players and coaches focused on beating a talented Jaguars squad in England.

“We got to take a step back and all of us get in the bunker and see how we can get better.” Smith said. “We are 2-1, thankfully. We got a big game in London against a team that’s going to have the same mindset (as Detroit a week ago). … We know what they’re about. They are a talented football team with a really good coaching staff.”

–Smith said the arm/shoulder injury to starting linebacker Troy Anderson on Sunday “didn’t look good.” An official prognosis was not yet made.

–Atlanta safety Jessie Bates III has three interceptions through three games. Former safety Thomas DeCoud (2012) is the only other Falcons player to accomplish that feat in franchise history.

–Jacksonville starting right tackle Anton Harrison injured his leg in the loss to the Texans and could be out for Sunday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas running back Bijan Robinson with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young, Bijan Robinson top odds for Offensive ROY

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The first quarterback and first running back selected in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday are the co-favorites to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Top overall pick Bryce Young, the Alabama quarterback selected by the Carolina Panthers, and No. 8 pick Bijan Robinson, the Texas running back chosen by the Atlanta Falcons, are both listed by FanDuel and BetMGM at +400 odds to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year.

DraftKings posted Robinson as a +400 favorite, with Young just behind at +475.

The next two quarterbacks off the board after Young were listed as the No. 3 and No. 4 choices by FanDuel and BetMGM.

Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, drafted second overall by the Houston Texans, was posted at +600 by FanDuel, +650 by BetMGM. Florida’s Anthony Richardson, selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts, has odds of +700 at FanDuel, +650 at BetMGM.

DraftKings has Stroud at +700 and Richardson at +1200, the fourth- and sixth-best odds, respectively. New Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, chosen 20th out of Ohio State, is third at DraftKings (+650). New Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 overall pick out of Alabama, had +850 odds at DraftKings.

Smith-Njigba is listed at +700 by BetMGM, +800 by FanDuel. Gibbs is at +2500 according to FanDuel and BetMGM.

New Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, chosen 23rd out of Southern California, has +1600 odds at DraftKings and FanDuel, while BetMGM lists him at +1400.

Others with odds of +2000 or lower at one or more of the books were Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnson (No. 21 out of TCU) and Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers (No. 22 out of Boston College), plus three players who weren’t selected in the first round: Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker and UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs the ball during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Texas RB Bijan Robinson to skip bowl, enter draft

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Texas running back Bijan Robinson announced Monday he is skipping the Alamo Bowl and entering the NFL draft.

Robinson won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back in 2022 after rushing for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and added 19 catches for 314 yards and two TDs.

“I’ve done everything that I tried to do in God’s plan for me while I’ve been here,” Robinson told reporters Monday. “It’s time to start the new journey. I’m just excited to figure out another part of my life, just like I tried to figure it out here.”

Robinson ranks fourth in Longhorns history with 3,410 career rushing yards, trailing Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and Earl Campbell.

The 6-foot, 220-pound junior from Tucson, Ariz., was ranked last week as the No. 1 running back in the 2023 draft class by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

No. 20 Texas (8-4) faces No. 12 Washington (10-2) in the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl at San Antonio.

–Field Level Media

A referee checks on Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) after an injury during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Mlc Ut V Kansas 1594

Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson (elbow) done for season

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Texas running back Bijan Robinson, the third-leading rusher in the Big 12 Conference, is done for the season after dislocating his elbow.

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday said cornerback Josh Thompson is also done for the season with a fractured fibula.

Robinson was injured Saturday in the Longhorns’ stunning 57-56 overtime loss to visiting Kansas.

Robinson rushed for 70 yards on 5.0 yards per carry and had a touchdown reception against the Jayhawks before exiting.

On the season, Robinson has rushed for 1,127 yards, behind only Breece Hall of Iowa State (1,164) and Abram Smith (1,203) of Baylor in the Big 12, and No. 9 in all of FBS. Robinson also had 26 catches for 295 yards and four receiving touchdowns, good for second on the Longhorns this season. He has 15 TDs overall.

Robinson rushed for 703 yards and four TDs as a freshman in 2020.

The Longhorns are expected to fill the void with Roschon Johnson, Keilan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks.

Thompson had 34 tackles and an interception in nine games.

Texas (4-6) has two games remaining and must win both to become bowl eligible.

–Field Level Media