Falcons must reward NFL's most underpaid superstar even if he won't say it | Opinion

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Of all the roles that Bijan Robinson so capably fills for the Atlanta Falcons – marquee attraction, versatile offensive weapon, community-service beacon – another slot was evident this week during a post-practice media session.

World Cup Insider.

Robinson may be the team’s foremost soccer buff. First drawn to the sport by playing video games, he’s become such a big fan that he’s traveled to Europe to attend matches and mingled with some of soccer’s biggest stars.

He’s excited about checking out at least a couple of the FIFA World Cup games on tap for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, beginning next week, and sounds credible enough.

 Who’s going to win the World Cup?

“France,” Robinson said June 8, backing one of the favorites. “I think it will be France and Spain.”

 How far will the U.S. team advance?

“I want to say Round of 16, but we’ll see,” he replied. “They’ve got to prove it first.”

Bijan Robinson contract

With Robinson apparently in a mood for forecasting, it was natural to switch gears and project what the star running back sees for himself in terms of a big new contract. I mean, the NFL Monopoly Money has been flowing lately. On Monday, the Falcons cemented Drake London’s future with a four-year, $141 million extension, with $99.8 million guaranteed, that puts him near the top of the wide receiver market.

Next in line?

Robinson was effusive in his praise of London’s new deal but wouldn’t touch the topic of whether he’s next with a ten-foot pole.

“We’ll see,” he said. “I’m not that guy to talk about it. I’ll let them handle all that stuff. We’ll see.”

No doubt, Robinson has certainly earned a big raise.

Patrick Mahomes, deservedly, is the NFL’s highest-paid player again after signing a record-setting, two-year extension this week with the Kansas City Chiefs that averages more than $63 million and bumps the total value of his pact beyond $504 million.

Robinson, meanwhile, is the NFL’s most underpaid superstar.

He led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage last season and posted career-highs for rushing yards (1,478), catches (79) and receiving yards (820). His 97 first downs were third in the league. In three NFL seasons, he’s never missed a game.

And, well, with Robinson’s stop-on-a-dime, breath-taking moves and threat to take virtually any play the distance, the Falcons haven’t had a player so fun to watch since Michael Vick was in his heyday.

As it stands now, Robinson, 24, is due a base salary of $1.145 million for 2026, with a roster bonus of $2.599 million. That’s a grand total of $3.74 million in the fourth year of a rookie contract which he has clearly outplayed.

This is quite the bargain for Arthur Blank’s team, which should be huddled up with Robinson’s high-powered agent, Nicole Lynn, advancing a new deal. As the Falcons try to snap a string of eight consecutive losing seasons, it would send a terrible message to have the team’s best player in contract limbo.

Matt Ryan praises Bijan Robinson

“We’ll figure it out,” Matt Ryan, the team’s new president of football, told USA TODAY Sports this week.

Ryan, the legendary former Falcons quarterback who was once the NFL’s highest-paid player, undoubtedly brings keen insight into such matters as he navigates his new role. After Ryan signed one of his top-market deals during the prime of his career, Blank sent his agent, Tom Condon, a dollar bill with the inscription: “My last dollar.”

“I don’t think I took Arthur’s last dollar,” Ryan reminisced. “I don’t think Drake did, either. We’ll figure that out.”

While Ryan acknowledged that a new pact for Robinson is a priority, he’s also on the other side now of an NFL system that allows teams tremendous leverage – including franchise tags and fifth-year options – in negotiations.

“Bijan, he’s a really special player,” Ryan said. “There’s no timetable for kind of hammering that out, but he’s a guy that we certainly want here to be a part of the organization for a long time.”

The Falcons, of course, exercised the fifth-year option that teams can use (and rescind, too) on first-round picks, which would guarantee him $11.323 million in 2027 – if a new deal isn’t done before then.

In the meantime, Robinson, who logged 366 touches last season, heads into his fourth NFL season positioned to assume the risk that comes with playing the position – running back – that has the shortest career span of any in the not-for-long NFL.

Sure, Robinson has tree trunks for legs. But he’s a running back, which can be a lot like the Ferrari you just drove off the lot when it comes to depreciation. The position is so valuable when teams are pushing on the road to the Super Bowl each year, yet so devalued at the bargaining table.

NFL running back salaries

Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid running back at $20.6 million per year, followed by Christian McCaffrey ($19 million). No other running back tops $16 million per year.

In the NFL realm, it seems a bit out of whack when considering top-market values for other positions. The highest-paid edge rushers, Will Anderson and Micah Parsons, average $50 million and $46.5 million, while the highest-paid center averages $29 million and market-pacing receivers top $40 million (London’s new contract averages $35.263 million).

Hey, running backs catch the ball, too. Yet the best ones still rank far below their counterparts at “premium” positions.

And Robinson’s case while still on his rookie contract is so glaring.

We’ll see how this plays out for Robinson, picking up a new system under new coach Kevin Stefanski and coordinator Tommy Rees. Typically, Robinson is upbeat about the scheme, and surely his new coaches will be like the old ones in realizing how well their centerpiece can make their X’s and O’s dance off the pages of the playbook.

“I don’t want to share too much, but there’s a lot of fun stuff that Tommy has put in, that we’re continuing to evolve,” Robinson said. “I just can’t wait to execute it when camp comes around.”

How long Robinson waits in striking a new contract – and at what cost -- will be an intriguing subplot as the Falcons roll with yet another regime change.

“I always feel like players can handle more than a lot of people think,” Ryan said. “I think removing some of that gray – it’s not negotiating with players or anything like that, but it’s just saying, ‘Hey, we’re going to get started on this. We know the value you provide. Trust us, and trust your agents and you know, we’ll find a way to get it done.’ ”

Which might represent some kind of Golden Boot.  

Contact Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Falcons should reward underpaid star Bijan Robinson with new contract

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49ers News: The Niners are Sincere again

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Running back Sincere McCormick #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) | Getty Images

49ers announce running back roster moves
“He later signed with San Francisco on April 28, 2026, before he was waived by the team on May 28.”

49ers All-Pro George Kittle: Mike Evans was ‘cooking everybody’ during OTAs
“Everybody’s getting cooked by Mike,” Kittle said. “It’s awesome to watch. And I’ll say that to Demo’s face. I didn’t watch every practice, but I saw highlights, and every one of those highlights—and it wasn’t Demo every single time—but Demo got his work in, and it was great to see. I didn’t see the clips of Demo locking him down, but it was awesome. 

“And I know Mike had three touchdowns in one red zone period, so that was also fun to see. Like I said, him and Brock already have a connection. It’s really fun to see. And Mike, he’s got that like Trent Williams aura around him.” 

Kittle went on to explain why facing a future Hall of Fame-caliber receiver like Evans every day could be invaluable for Lenoir’s development. 

“Look, the fact that Demo gets to go up against one of the best receivers in NFL history, stat-wise, all the time, and he gets to go against him every day,” Kittle said. “And so all that Demo’s going to do is just get way better, and he’s already a really good player. So now, Demo has a chance to be an amazing player because he gets to go against top-tier talent every single day at training camp. It’s going to be sick.”

49ers 90-in-90: Will Demarcus Robinson make the roster?
“The 49ers used Robinson primarily on in-breaking routes last season. Robinson ran an in-breaking route 42 percent of the time, which was a career high. Welcome to Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Three of Robinson’s four targets against Philadelphia were on in-breaking routes. He ran 11 total that game. Things weren’t much different the week before against Seattle. The only difference was the production. Robinson only caught one of those 15 in-breakers. 

Last week, Robinson was the beneficiary of Mike Evans. The big play he had down the sideline was after the defense flocked toward Evans, forgetting about No. 7.”

49ers’ Osa Odighizuwa, now finally over the Cowboys, is embracing his new team (paywall) 
“Like defensive end Mykel Williams inviting the defensive tackle over to his crib to watch the NFL Draft.

“Mykel is really, really good with ribs and burnt ends and wings and stuff like that,” Odighizuwa said after a team workout last week. “Everybody welcomed me with open arms, and we just threw down at his house.”

Then, linebacker Fred Warner turned him on to his Pilates guy, and Odighizuwa was ready and flexible enough to appreciate the opportunity he has to be a key piece of a team trying to build on a 12-5 season and a playoff win.”

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Giants GM Joe Schoen thinks Malik Nabers will be ready to go for Week 1

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had surgery in October to repair his torn ACL, then had a second surgery this offseason to remove scar tissue. But the Giants still believe Nabers will be good to go for the season opener.

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen said this week that Nabers should be on the field on September 13, when the Giants host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

"I still think he’ll be fine Week 1," Schoen told Yahoo Sports on Monday. "So we'll see. He's trending in the right direction. Again, these things take time, so it's not instant. Every patient is different."

Nabers isn't practicing yet, but new Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said he's been impressed with Nabers' mental approach to the offseason, learning Nagy's system quickly.

"I see why he's as good as he is," Nagy said.

Schoen noted that the Giants brought in some insurance this offseason in the form of wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr., Calvin Austin III, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios. But the Giants are optimistic that the No. 1 receiver in Week 1 will be Nabers.

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There is no mistaking what Victor Wembanyama became in Game 3

Knicks guard Landry Shamet #44 defends against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama #1 in the fourth quarter.

Victor Wembanyama is known for many things.

He’s the next face of the league. He’s an “alien.” He’s a 7-foot-4 sensation who can make 3-pointers.

But he may have just added to his lore.

His newest act?

Knicks villain.

He played spoiler on a night when Knicks fans paid over $11,000 to get into Madison Square Garden. He ruined the team’s first Finals game on home soil in 27 years. He sent President Donald Trump, Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee and Ben Stiller home disappointed.

Right now, Wembanyama is New Yorkers’ No. 1 enemy.

Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 115-111 win Monday in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, dealing a blow to the most populated city in America with 8.4 million residents who were foaming at the mouth to celebrate being one win away from their first championship since 1973.

Not so fast.

Wembanyama had 32 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field, 2-for-4 from deep, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocked shots to put the series at 2-1.

In a tight fourth quarter in which the Knicks cut the Spurs’ eight-point lead to 113-111 with 9.4 seconds left, Wembanyama was the best player on the court. He had 10 points. He had a blocked shot. He was aggressive on the defensive end, helping hold the Knicks to 3-for-10 shooting in the paint over that period.

It was nightmarish for New Yorkers, who are used to Jalen Brunson playing the hero in those types of tight situations.

Wembanyama not only played spoiler, but earlier in the game he shoved the King of New York, firmly embracing the villain moniker.

With under five minutes left in the first quarter, Wembanyama pushed the back of Brunson’s neck. The Knicks star fell onto his hands. Richard Jefferson said on the ABC broadcast that he should’ve been assessed a flagrant 1 foul.

But there was no whistle on the play.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Knicks fans weren’t pleased. In the second quarter, a “F–k you, Wemby” chant erupted as Karl-Anthony Towns shot free throws. Knicks fans also took to X to voice their displeasure. One Knicks fan wrote, “Wembanyama is turning into a punk.” Another added, “All my homies hate Victor Wembanyama.”

Welcome to a very elite club, Wemby.

Trae Young is its president. To this day, fans chant “F–k you, Trae Young” following games after he tormented them during the first round of the 2021 playoffs, including shushing the crowd after he hit a game-winning shot in Game 1 and then taking a theatrical bow after clinching the series in Game 5.

Tyrese Haliburton also recently joined the club when he wore a hoodie featuring Reggie Miller’s 1994 “choke” gesture after eliminating the Knicks in Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.

Miller and Michael Jordan were also proud card-carrying members of that club during their battles against the Knicks in the 1990s.

When Wembanyama was asked if he’s now a Knicks villain, he flashed a smile.

“I guess,” he said. “I’m nowhere near Trae Young level, though.”

For Wembanyama, this is an honor. It means he’s doing something right.

We all knew this type of performance was coming for him.

There was a change in Wembanyama after Game 2 when he threw the ball off Stephon Castle’s back with the score tied at 104-104 and 9.5 seconds left, leading to a 105-104 loss. Wembanyama took responsibility for that blunder. He blamed himself for the loss.

Wembanyama spent the next few days trying to reset. He went to Gramercy Park in Manhattan to sketch a statue. After the Spurs fell into a 2-0 hole, legendary coach Gregg Popovich advised the team to forget the last two games. Wemy took those words to heart.

In Game 3, Wembanyama was a different player.

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs works against Jose Alvarado of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter. Getty Images

He went from waiting for the game to come to him to playing with a sense of urgency from the moment the ball was tipped. He was physical. He was him.

And he did it in New York, under the brightest of lights, under the most crushing pressure.

“At home it really feels like playing six against five,” Wembanyama said. “Here it feels like five against six. … It really shows what teams are made of.”

Now Wembanyama is currently the most hated man in New York.

And there’s nothing that could make him happier.

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49ers News: A great week to be thankful for Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling

SANTA CLARA, CA - JUNE 03: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with the media after a team OTA practice at SAP Performance Facility on June 3, 2026 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Stop running from the belt: 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk continues to keep drama alive on social media
“Only one day after posting photos of himself wearing a Washington Commanders hat on Instagram, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver appeared in another social media post, this time a video that further fueled speculation he wants out of Santa Clara as much as the 49ers want him out. And it continues to signal growing concerns over Aiyuk’s career and mental health.” 

Mike Evans provides encouraging update on his connection with Brock Purdy
”You’ve got to win in tight situations down there in the red zone,” Evans added. “And I have the leaping ability, I have the awareness, and a lot of reps at doing it. And I love getting in that red area and adding a different dynamic to this team. 

“I just pride myself on getting in the end zone, winning versus bad leverage, and one-on-one opportunities. I’ve got to get open for Brock.”

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New York Jets Flight Connections 06/07/26

Nov 23, 1997; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets running back Adrian Murrell (29) and receiver Wayne Chrebet (80) in action against Minnesota Vikings safety Robert Griffith (24) at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK

Happy Sunday, Jets fans!

Below are your daily links.

Michael Nania – Here’s where NY Jets’ top defensive trio ranks across the NFL

Joe Blewett – NY Jets film session: What does Kingsley Enagbare offer the DL?

Connor Long – The key difference between NY Jets’ 2025 and 2026 rosters

Connor Long – Is Darren Mougey the NY Jets’ Leon Rose?

Nick Faria – Jets’ Revolving Door at Kicker Could Finally Be Over

Nick Faria – What Jets Fans Should Make of David Bailey’s Quiet OTAs

Justin Melo – Sports Illustrated ranks Jets’ backup QB spot (and it’s not pretty)

Justin Melo – Nahshon Wright is the wild card of the Jets’ cornerback position

Jake Elman – The Athletic dropped a stunning take on the Jets’ Sauce Gardner trade

Jake Elman – Sports Illustrated just made a bold Arch Manning-Jets prediction

Mike Luciano – Jets fans have to question Justin Fields’ spot in backup quarterback rankings

Charlie Baduini – NFL draft expert says league is going to regret letting Jets get seventh-round steal

Charlie Baduini – Jets draft pick’s Super Bowl MVP uncle believes defense is ready to break out

Justin Fried – Garrett Wilson is on the verge of making Jets history again in 2026

Derek Praschak – Demario Davis receives high praise from long-time Jets rival

Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Have a great day!

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One question will define J.K. Dobbins’ impact: Can he stay healthy?

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 21: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos on field against the Los Angeles Chargers during the NFL 2025 game at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, Broncos Country!

Health is always a significant vulnerability for teams and sports.

What makes matters worse is that you can neither predict them nor prevent them. You can do your best to prepare and train, but injuries are inevitable.

For the Denver Broncos, that’s seen in running back J.K. Dobbins. When he’s on the field, he’s one of the best backs in the NFL. We saw that through the first 10 games of his first season in Denver.

The issue is that Dobbins can’t stay on the field. There’s no doubt he’s been struck by fluke injuries over the course of his career. Heck, his Lisfranc injury last season in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders falls into the “fluke” category. But whenever you discuss Dobbins, you can’t avoid health as a major topic.

His health is also one of the main drivers of the Broncos’ success on offense and as a team this season.

If Dobbins gets and stays on the field, Denver could have one of the best offenses in the league. Thus, the Broncos will become a serious contender.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked about Dobbins and his confidence in the running back staying healthy this week at OTAs:

“I think this, though. I think if you just take (running) backs around the league, and you understand the length … The season is not getting any shorter; it’s getting longer. He was a big part of our success a year ago. I think certainly where we’re at with that running back room today, we feel like is further along than maybe when we first got here. So he’s one of those compound multipliers. There’s so much that he brings … You usually hear him before you see him in there, probably sometimes out here. (Laughs) He’s a tremendous teammate, and yes, I’m glad he’s with us.”

"We got an embarrassment of riches with talent on this team."#Broncos RB JK Dobbins joins The Insiders on @NFLNetwork to talk about re-signing in Denver, his road back to the field, and his team's newest addition. pic.twitter.com/5DBauauB4x

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2026

Dobbins acknowledged and discussed his unfortunate injury luck in an interview with The Insiders in late March. It was the same interview where he said the Broncos had an embarrassment of riches on offense.

“When I went down, when I got hurt, I think I was third or fourth in total rushing yards in the NFL,” Dobbins said in the interview. “The thing that hurt my feelings the most was knowing I was right there in the grasp of something special, especially since the injury thing has been so unfortunate for me.

“When you look at some people, you say ‘injury prone.’ You get the rolled ankles, the hamstring strains, whatever you’re getting. The stuff I’m getting is like, done for the season, let’s get some surgery. It’s like ‘dang, why am I getting these unfortunate things?’ But I’m going to always keep going.”

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