Falcons spend huge cash on core with no quarterback
Robinson, 24, was broadly anticipated to reset the operating again market along with his second contract, however the large quantity — representing a 21.4 % enhance — is shocking. However after years of backs being undervalued, the contract is a course correction.
The 2025 first-team All-Professional earned his deal on the again of a superb begin to his professional profession, notably over the previous two seasons when he mixed for two,934 speeding yards. According to Stathead research, his 5,648 yards from scrimmage since coming into the league are the fourth most by a participant in his first three seasons, solely trailing Corridor of Fame operating backs LaDainian Tomlinson (6,145) and Eric Dickerson (5,816) plus former Baltimore Ravens again Jamal Lewis (5,700).
He joins a number of different younger Falcons to obtain an extension this offseason, together with tight finish Kyle Pitts Sr. (three years, $53M), vast receiver Drake London (4 years, $141.1M) and guard Matthew Bergeron (4 years, $96M).
Pitts, the fourth total choose within the 2021 NFL Draft, bounced again with 88 receptions, 928 yards and a career-high 5 receiving touchdowns in 2025 for his greatest season since his rookie 12 months, whereas London averaged a career-best 76.6 receiving yards per recreation regardless of lacking 5 video games with hip and knee accidents. Bergeron has began 49 of a attainable 51 video games since becoming a member of the Falcons as a 2023 second-round choice (No. 38).
Whereas every has carved out integral roles in Atlanta, the numerous investments are additionally a bit curious. Most groups that overhaul the entrance workplace will subsequently make sweeping roster modifications because the not too long ago employed workers brings in gamers who match their imaginative and prescient. Every of the 4 gamers who acquired an extension was chosen by former basic supervisor Terry Fontenot, and the choice to double-down on his picks is a tad uncommon.
The Falcons could not have made a basic supervisor change if Fontenot efficiently found out the quarterback place, and that may finally be what defines Cunningham’s tenure.
Former 2024 first-round choose Michael Penix Jr. has underwhelmed since coming into the league and is recovering from a 3rd torn ACL since arriving in school, whereas veteran Tua Tagovailoa evokes little confidence after a poor finish to his run with the Miami Dolphins.
The Falcons spent some huge cash this offseason retaining a core intact that hasn’t achieved something collectively. Whereas London, Pitts and Robinson have been removed from an issue since being chosen by the earlier regime, they are not sufficient on their very own. Till Atlanta will get a franchise quarterback, the signings are little greater than window dressing.
