The Detroit Lions have locked down another one of their franchise cornerstones on a long-term deal. This time, running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the one who gets a well-deserved payday.
Just days after the Atlanta Falcons made Bijan Robinsonthe then-highest-paid running back in league history, Gibbs takes the crown. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions and Gibbs have agreed on a three-year, $67.5 million extension that can be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed.
The $22.5 million annual value in Gibbs' contract edges out Robinson's $22.25 million. Gibbs also got a little more guaranteed money than Robinson, though the numbers are nearly identical.
Brad Holmes Continues Trend of Rewarding Cornerstone Players
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Since becoming the Lions' general manager in 2021, Brad Holmes has built a reputation for rewarding his star players with lucrative contracts. In just the past two-plus years, Holmes has inked quarterback Jared Goff, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, safety Kerby Joseph, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, linebacker Jack Campbell, and many others to long-term deals.
Holmes has made it clear that he'll take care of his players if they perform well and establish themselves as key pieces of the franchise on and off the field. Gibbs is just the latest example in a long line of names Holmes has signed to massive extensions.
Gibbs reported to training camp like everyone else in late July but hasn't participated in any practices. The 24-year-old did suit up for practice on Thursday, but didn't end up doing any drills. However, that was a sign Holmes was closing in on a new contract for his dynamic running back.
With Gibbs' contract situation taken care of, we should see him back on the practice field on Friday, which will provide a major boost to Drew Petzing's offense. The Lions need Gibbs to be at his best in 2026 as they eye a return to the postseason and a deep run in January.
