The Detroit Lions will be relying on running back Jahmyr Gibbs more than ever in 2026, as the team has paved a clear road for the 24-year-old to post the most productive season of his career.
With the Lions trading away David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in March, Gibbs is now the clear-cut No. 1 back and will be Detroit’s bell cow, especially with Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve to begin the season.
Gibbs is in a prime position to be one of the top playmakers in the sport in 2026, and the situation around him is a major reason why.
Gibbs Listed as Summer NFL Winner by Sports Illustrated
David Reginek-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
In an article listing winners of the summer in the NFL, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano had Gibbs as one of the major winners. Manzano pointed to Gibbs’ favorable situation on the Lions, and receiving a record-breaking contract is also pretty nice.
Gibbs signed a three-year, $67.5 million extension with the Lions in early August. The deal can be worth up to $75.75 million and made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
There may not be a running back in the league in a better position than Gibbs right now. The Alabama product just got paid, will likely receive a career-high in touches this year if he stays healthy, and should be a pivotal part of a contending team in the NFC, though the offensive line remains a real question.
Though the Lions’ offensive line could be a bit inconsistent, that shouldn’t stop Gibbs from being a dominant force in the backfield and challenging NFL records in 2026.
