Jahmyr Gibbs' Contract Negotiations Compared to Bijan Robinson's New Deal
Analysts compare the financial terms of running back Jahmyr Gibbs' potential contract with the Atlanta Falcons' recent agreement for Bijan Robinson, focusing on new-money average annual values.
The Atlanta Falcons have restructured running back Bijan Robinson's contract, raising his new-money average annual value (APY) to $22.25 million. The adjustment provides a benchmark for Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as he approaches his own contract talks.
Robinson's three-year extension will replace his existing two years, creating a five-year deal that incorporates $15.067 million of previously scheduled salary into the later years. Gibbs, meanwhile, is slated to receive $3.183 million in 2026 and $14.293 million in 2027, totaling $17.476 million of "old money."
Because Robinson's prior earnings are lower, his new-money APY appears higher under the same contract length. To match Robinson's $22.25 million APY, Gibbs would need to earn $2.409 million more over the next five years. Analysts note that a five-year contract worth $92.476 million would give Gibbs an APY of $25 million, a figure often cited as a target for top running backs.
Robinson's combined deal amounts to $81.817 million over five years, or $16.36 million per year, which is described as a strong agreement for a leading player at his position. The discussion highlights ongoing debates about the market value of elite NFL running backs.