Falcons Extend 4 Young Stars, Committing More Than $99 Million a Year
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 4
Falcons Extend 4 Young Stars, Committing More Than $99 Million a Year
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 4
Summary
Atlanta locked up Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron, with all four now ranking in the top five at their positions by average annual value.
Robinson's deal leads the group at $22.25 million per year—the highest ever for a running back and for any player age 23 or younger—after his 2,298-yard-from-scrimmage, first-team All-Pro 2025 season.
The extensions are an early statement from the new regime of president Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski, who moved quickly rather than risk higher future costs on core offensive pieces.
That secures Atlanta's supporting cast but not its biggest problem: the Falcons have missed the playoffs eight straight years and still lack a settled quarterback after failed bets on Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix.
Stefanski now inherits a roster viewed as talented enough to compete in the NFC South, yet Atlanta's path beyond mediocrity still hinges on finally solving quarterback.
What does Bijan Robinson’s historic extension say about the Falcons’ strategy—and their risk—while Michael Penix Jr. recovers and camp decides the future?
Is Atlanta one dependable quarterback away from ending its eight-year playoff drought, or has it overbuilt everywhere except the position that matters most?