Atlanta Falcons Celebrate Pro Bowl Honors for Bijan Robinson and Chris Lindstrom
The Atlanta Falcons are basking in the glow of recognition as two of their standout players have been selected to represent the NFC in this year’s Pro Bowl. Running back Bijan Robinson, a rookie, secures his first Pro Bowl selection, while guard Chris Lindstrom celebrates his fourth consecutive nod. Despite the evolving nature of the Pro Bowl Games over the past decade, this accolade remains a testament to a player’s skill, as acknowledged by peers, coaches, and fans alike.
Impact of Pro Bowl Selections on Contracts
For players on rookie contracts, the ramifications of a Pro Bowl selection are substantial. Unlike veterans, who often have contracts laced with incentives—sometimes including bonuses for such accolades—rookies see these honors directly influence their financial futures. This is particularly evident when it comes to the fifth-year option in their contracts.
Bijan Robinson, drafted by the Falcons with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself. As he leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage in his rookie season, the Falcons are set to exercise his fifth-year option this offseason.
The financial dynamics of rookie contracts are intriguing. The initial four years are predetermined based on draft position. However, the fifth-year option is determined by the player’s position. For comparison, Zay Flowers was selected at No. 22 overall in the same draft as Robinson. His contract guarantees $14 million over four years, while Robinson’s deal, coming in at No. 8, guarantees $22 million.
Pro Bowl Performance Boosts Financial Future
The stakes are elevated when factoring in the Pro Bowl selections. Flowers, with two Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, has a fifth-year option set to be $28 million—an increase of nearly $11 million due to his accolades. In contrast, Robinson’s standard fifth-year option was initially pegged at $7.5 million, despite being selected much higher in the draft.
Thanks to his Pro Bowl recognition, Robinson’s fifth-year option will now amount to $11.4 million, significantly impacting the Falcons’ salary cap. Only Jonathan Taylor currently has a higher cap hit at the running back position, sitting at $15.4 million.
As the Falcons navigate the next steps in their offseason strategy, the recognition of their players not only boosts their morale but also carries significant implications for their financial planning and roster construction going forward.
