The Falcons may have lost Tyler Allgeier in free agency, but they appear to have found a pretty clean replacement for the role behind Bijan Robinson.
Pro Football Focus released its latest running back rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and Bijan Robinson came in at No. 1.
That part is hardly a surprise anymore. The former top-10 pick has lived up to the hype and then some over his first three seasons, and the buzz around him only keeps growing as Atlanta heads toward 2026.
What stood out for the Falcons was the nod PFF gave to Brian Robinson Jr. in its honorable mentions. Atlanta signed him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in free agency after Allgeier left for the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year contract, and the move already looks like a smart piece of business.
"Robinson didn’t get a ton of action backing up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, but he does have three separate 700-yard seasons under his belt and forced 22 missed tackles across just 95 carries last season," wrote PFF's Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick. "He should be able to capably give Bijan Robinson a break when needed."
That’s the kind of backup profile Atlanta needed. Brian Robinson, 27, has logged 2,729 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, plus 73 catches for 612 receiving yards, across his first four NFL seasons. He was once seen as a potential starter in Washington, and while he never fully became that bell-cow option, he still brings real value as a runner and receiver.
For a Falcons offense that is expected to lean on the screen game, he fits the job description well.
Allgeier also landed in PFF’s honorable mentions, with the outlet noting his fit in Arizona’s crowded backfield.
"Arizona may have the deepest backfield in the NFL with veterans James Conner and Tyler Allgeier alongside third overall pick Love," wrote PFF. "Meanwhile, Allgeier scored a career-high eight touchdowns last season, has not fumbled in his career and is a major asset in pass protection."
Both backs are now stuck behind former top-10 picks, but Atlanta’s new reserve may be the cleaner stylistic match. Brian Robinson doesn’t bring the same power Allgeier does, yet his versatility makes him a strong fit behind Bijan.
The Falcons still don’t have a clear No. 3 running back on the roster, though Tyler Goodson stood out at minicamp. That’s a spot worth watching when training camp opens.
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