Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson revealed he has been in contact with Detroit Lions counterpart Jahmyr Gibbs regarding their respective contract negotiations. Both players began training camp with "hold-ins," present but not participating, awaiting market-setting extensions. Robinson secured his deal Tuesday, a three-year pact with the Falcons worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

"We just told each other, 'Just hang in there, everything's going to get done, everything's going to be all right,'" Robinson said. He expressed hope that Gibbs receives the compensation he deserves. Robinson's annual average of $22.25 million is a record for the position, with $51 million guaranteed. The deal was negotiated by Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports.

Robinson, 24, and Gibbs, drafted in the same 2023 class (Robinson at No. 8, Gibbs at No. 12), are often linked in discussions about the NFL's best running backs. Robinson sees their competition as mutually beneficial, pushing both to perform at their highest level each game. He admitted the hold-in was challenging, as he yearned to practice with his teammates, even requesting to do minimal drills at one point. Gibbs' hold-in continues as he awaits his own contract agreement.