This NFL offseason continues to dominate the headlines, and last week a once undervalued position proved that again.
Three star running backs, the Falcons Bijan Robinson, the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor and the Lions Jahmyr Gibbs all signed multi-year, history-making deals with their respective franchises in a span of four days.
Bijan Robinson was the back in this young trio to secure a hefty windfall after signing a historic three-year, $66.75 million contract extension with $51.5 million guaranteed and the ability to increase to $75 million after incentives. That was the largest deal in NFL history for a running back.
Robinson is highly regarded as one of, if not the best back in the game. Since entering the league, he’s recorded 5,648 total scrimmage yards with 36 total touchdowns.
Shortly after Robinson’s massive deal, Colts running back Johnathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension with $39 million in guaranteed money and ability to max out at $47 million with incentives.
After leading the league in carries and rushing touchdowns in 2025, Taylor secured the third-highest deal for a running back in NFL history.
But later that day, Detroit’s young star, Jahmyr Gibbs, broke the bank after signing a three-year contract extension worth up to $75.75 million with $51.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid back in league history.
Since arriving in the NFL, Gibbs has recorded 5,029 total yards from scrimmage with 49 total touchdowns and now holds the NFL record for most touchdowns through a players’ first three seasons.
As we look at these recent contract extensions, it shows a great level of commitment and interest in a position that many if not most believed was “dying”.
And in a short time, they have left their imprint on the game and positively changed the way teams and owners view their position.
