10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson made history on Tuesday, agreeing to a three-year, $75 million deal to become the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
His $22.25 million annual salary surpasses the previous mark of $20.6 million, set by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. At just 24 years old, Robinson has established himself as one of the best players in football, and now, he's getting paid like it.
But in Detroit, there's another rusher who has yet to get his new contract: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs and Robinson were selected in the same draft class and have often been compared to one another in debates over who the best running back in the NFL truly is. On Wednesday, Robinson revealed that he and Gibbs have not only spoken a lot during their respective negotiations, but that their rivalry actually fuels them on the field.
Read More on NFL
"We talk a lot. We're in the same conversation," Robinson said. "The Bijan-Gibbs debate is actually cool to see. It actually helps us both out. We are always trying to compete against each other."
More news: Bears Get Key Linebacker Back, But Two More Are Still Missing
Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 total scrimmage yards last season, including 1,478 rushing yards and 820 receiving yards across 17 games — the second-most receiving yards among running backs, behind only Christian McCaffrey (924). Robinson earned first-team All-Pro honors and his second straight Pro Bowl nod as a result.
Gibbs wasn't too far behind. He finished with the fifth-most total scrimmage yards in the league (1,839), with 1,223 rushing yards and 616 receiving yards. Notably, Gibbs actually finished with more total touchdowns — 18 to Robinson's 11 — the second-most in the league behind only Jonathan Taylor (20). He earned his third straight Pro Bowl nod.
More news: Colts’ Jonathan Taylor Eyes Own Payday After Bijan Robinson’s Record Deal
...
More news: AJ Epenesa Breaks Silence on Failed Browns Deal, Declines to Share Details
Robinson and Gibbs are the same age and serve as the driving force behind each of their team's offenses. They represent the next era of elite NFL running backs, and many expect Gibbs' next deal will match — and potentially surpass — Robinson's. With Atlanta's deal now done, the pressure shifts to Detroit to decide just how much it values Gibbs, who appears to hold real leverage in the negotiation.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines