Robinson and Gibbs Seek Record Deals After Missing First Training Camp Practice

Running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs missed Wednesday's practices as they seek to reset the NFL market with new long-term contracts.

Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs did not participate in the first training camp practices for the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Both running backs appear to be hold-ins as they navigate negotiations for long-term contract extensions intended to reset the current NFL market. Currently, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the position of the league's highest-paid player at the position, maintaining a contract with a $20.6 million average annual value. While both the Falcons and Lions exercised fifth-year options earlier this year to keep the players under contract through 2027, both athletes are seeking new terms following three seasons of high-level production.

Robinson enters the 2026 preseason coming off a year where he led the NFL in both rushing yards with 1,478 and scrimmage yards with 2,298. That scrimmage total established a new franchise record for the Atlanta Falcons. Since being selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the former Texas Longhorn has accumulated 5,648 all-purpose yards and 34 total touchdowns. His resume includes two Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod earned during the previous season.

Detroit Lions Address Gibbs Extension Talks

Jahmyr Gibbs has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three professional seasons since Detroit selected him at No. 12 overall in 2023. Known for blazing speed and dual-threat capabilities, Gibbs has recorded 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 total touchdowns during his tenure with the Lions. When asked about the status of a potential extension on Wednesday morning, Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated that the situation involves both sides working through the process and that they will take it as it comes.

Market Implications for Top Running Backs

Both the Falcons and Lions organizations have engaged in conversations with their respective star players throughout this offseason regarding long-term commitments. Because both players were drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft, their fifth-year options provide team control for two additional seasons beyond the current year, yet the push for a market-resetting deal remains the primary focus of these hold-ins. Robinson and Gibbs are widely considered two of the most electrifying offensive weapons in the league, contributing significantly as both traditional runners and active receivers in the passing game.

Statistical Milestones and Draft Pedigree

The 2023 draft class featured Robinson and Gibbs as the only two running backs taken in the first 12 picks, and their statistical output has mirrored that high draft status. Robinson’s 5,648 all-purpose yards over three years highlight his role as the centerpiece of the Atlanta offense. Meanwhile, Gibbs’ 49 touchdowns in the same span underscore his efficiency as a scoring threat for Detroit. As of 10:58 AM ET on Wednesday, neither player had taken the field for their team's opening session of the summer, signaling a coordinated effort to secure financial security before the 2026 season begins.