Since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Jahmyr Gibbs has developed into one of the best and most fearsome running backs in the league. Now, he’s being paid like one.
Gibbs reportedly agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million extension with the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The deal comes during an offseason where the Lions had previously shown commitment to Gibbs. With the running back set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, the Lions picked up his fifth-round option, which ensured he would remain with the team through the 2027 NFL season.
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Despite that, Gibbs wanted to get his extension now. The running back did not participate in the first few practices at training camp as part of a hold-in. Though Gibbs wasn’t practicing, Lions coach Dan Campbell didn’t seem too concerned about the situation. Things became even more optimistic after Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson — who was also holding in during camp — signed a three-year, $66.75 million extension in early August.
Robinson’s deal set the market for Gibbs, who was able to take that number to the Lions seeking a comparable deal. With his new reported extension, Gibbs will stick around much longer than 2027.
With the deal, Gibbs joins Robinson and Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane as the three running backs to sign lucrative extensions this offseason. Achane received a four-year, $68 million extension with Miami in May.
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Gibbs’ reported extension comes with the 23-year-old running back coming off back-to-back seasons in which he gained over 1,800 all-purpose yards. Gibbs has developed into a true dual threat at the position, rushing for over 1,200 yards in each of the past two years and catching at least 52 passes every season he’s been in the NFL.
Despite being platooned with bruiser David Montgomery, whom the Lions traded on March 2, Gibbs has shown the ability to also be an excellent goal-line runner and has scored at least 10 rushing touchdowns every season. While Montgomery’s presence prevented Gibbs’ numbers from being even better, it didn’t stop Gibbs from making the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. Without Montgomery in the fold, Gibbs should shine even more.
The reported extension shouldn’t come as a major surprise. Gibbs has proven to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, and the type of player any team would love to have around for years to come. General manager Brad Holmes essentially admitted as much when asked about Gibbs’ contract in February. He listed Gibbs as one of the “key pieces that [the Lions] want to keep around a long time.”
With Gibbs signed for the long term, the Lions can focus on bringing back other key pieces they’ve drafted and developed in recent years. Since Gibbs’ rookie season, the Lions have emerged as one of the best teams in the NFL. Despite the team’s success, it still has not won a Super Bowl.
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Gibbs is the type of weapon that can change that. With the running back sticking around, the Lions know they’ll have at least one elite playmaker in the backfield for years to come. Surrounding Gibbs with more talent and making sure he isn’t overworked will go a long way toward keeping the Lions in contention. And maybe one day, finally bringing home the Lombardi Trophy.
This breaking news story will be updated.
