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ESPN estimates market-setting deal for Falcons superstar
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- ESPN estimates market-setting deal for Falcons superstar
The next blockbuster news item we are likely to hear regarding the Atlanta Falcons is a huge contract extension for superstar running back Bijan Robinson .
Following on the heels of wide receiver Drake London 's four-year, $141 million megadeal , ESPN reported that Robinson would most likely be next in line for an extension.
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When news of the new deal for Robinson is reported, there's a very good chance that he will become the highest-paid running back in the NFL in annual salary, a title currently held by Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley , who's earning $20.6 million per year .
Today Bill Barnwell at ESPN has a new piece out estimating which players will reset the market at each position . At running back he says it will either be Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions . Barnwell included an estimate at the size and length of the deal either one is likely to sign.
"Neither should settle for anything short of becoming the highest-paid running back in football... If Robinson signs a four-year, $82 million deal with the Falcons, Gibbs will sign an $84 million deal a week later. The same holds true if Gibbs is the first to put pen to paper. We're admittedly talking about a small amount on top of a life-changing amount of money, but there's cachet that comes with being the highest-paid running back. Whoever signs first won't have that title for very long."
This is roughly where we believe Robinson's contract will fall. Gibbs may be able to command more based on his production, having scored 39 rushing touchdowns in 49 games compared to 25 in 51 games for Robinson. However, that's much more a product of the Lions having a better run game than Atlanta than any shortcoming for Robinson.
Whoever winds up with the biggest deal per year isn't the real question, though. The only number that truly matters in NFL contracts is the guaranteed money total, especially at a position that's as injury prone as running back. For example, Christian McCaffrey ranks second behind Barkley in annual compensation, earning $1.6 million less per year. However, Barkley has a big lead in guaranteed money, with $36 million compared to just $24 million for McCaffrey. Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love is far ahead of both, though - with his new deal including over $53 million guaranteed.
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So, keep in mind that the title of highest-paid running back in the league is somewhat misleading. Whoever has the most guaranteed money is the true king of the hill at the position.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: How much will RB Bijan Robinson get from the Falcons on his next deal?
