The Atlanta Falcons' sixth training camp practice generated a wide range of emotions from the fans. The day began with the team signing Bijan Robinson to a three-year, $75 million extension, and ended with an unfortunate injury to Jalon Walker.
While Walker might be out for the season with what NFL insiders are hinting is a torn ACL
, Robinson's extension is still a big win for this Falcons front officeThe former Texas Longhorns star has established himself as one of the NFL's best, if not the No. 1 running back in the game, and his new deal pays him as such. Robinson's first three seasons have been as good as anyone could have hoped, and now he's locked in for three additional years.
For The Win writer Cory Woodroof gave the Falcons an "A" grade
for Robinson's extension, saying they didn't have much of a choice but to re-sign the 24-year-old.
"The Falcons didn't really have a choice but to extend Robinson for what he was worth," wrote Woodroof. "With Robinson, London, Pitts and guard Matthew Bergeron all agreeing to new deals over the summer, the Falcons can rest on some vital consistency and good play at multiple positions on the offense. That matters with quarterback uncertainty."
Ultimately, it's still an expensive contract but Atlanta, but as Woodroof explained, it's tough to find another running back who's as valuable to their team.
"It's a really nice deal. Yes, it's a lot of money for a running back, but Robinson is more than deserving… and is that important to what the Falcons want to do. No running back in the NFL may be quite as important to their team."
Robinson officially practiced on Tuesday for the first time since camp began. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team would be cautious with its star running back in practice over the next few days.
Considering how much money the team just paid Robinson, it's better to be safe than sorry.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL analyst grades Falcons RB Bijan Robinson's 3-year extension
