Falcons spend big money on core without a quarterback
Robinson, 24, was widely expected to reset the running back market with his second contract, but the massive number — representing a 21.4 percent increase — is surprising. But after years of backs being undervalued, the contract is a course correction.
The 2025 first-team All-Pro earned his deal on the back of a brilliant start to his pro career, particularly over the past two seasons when he combined for 2,934 rushing yards. According to Stathead research, his 5,648 yards from scrimmage since entering the league are the fourth most by a player in his first three seasons, only trailing Hall of Fame running backs LaDainian Tomlinson (6,145) and Eric Dickerson (5,816) plus former Baltimore Ravens back Jamal Lewis (5,700).
He joins several other young Falcons to receive an extension this offseason, including tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (three years, $53M), wide receiver Drake London (four years, $141.1M) and guard Matthew Bergeron (four years, $96M).
Pitts, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, bounced back with 88 receptions, 928 yards and a career-high five receiving touchdowns in 2025 for his best season since his rookie year, while London averaged a career-best 76.6 receiving yards per game despite missing five games with hip and knee injuries. Bergeron has started 49 of a possible 51 games since joining the Falcons as a 2023 second-round selection (No. 38).
While each has carved out integral roles in Atlanta, the significant investments are also a bit curious. Most teams that overhaul the front office will subsequently make sweeping roster changes as the recently hired staff brings in players who fit their vision. Each of the four players who received an extension was selected by former general manager Terry Fontenot, and the decision to double-down on his picks is a tad unusual.
The Falcons may not have made a general manager change if Fontenot successfully figured out the quarterback position, and that will ultimately be what defines Cunningham’s tenure.
Former 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. has underwhelmed since entering the league and is recovering from a third torn ACL since arriving in college, while veteran Tua Tagovailoa inspires little confidence after a poor end to his run with the Miami Dolphins.
The Falcons spent a lot of money this offseason keeping a core intact that hasn’t accomplished anything collectively. While London, Pitts and Robinson have been far from a problem since being selected by the previous regime, they aren’t enough on their own. Until Atlanta gets a franchise quarterback, the signings are little more than window dressing.