The Detroit Lions have given out their fair share of big contracts over the last few years — Jared Goff (four years, $212 million), Aidan Hutchinson (four years, $180 million), Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120 million), Penei Sewell (four years, $112 million), Alim McNeil (four years, $97 million), Kerby Joseph (four years, $86 million), Jack Campbell (four years, $81 million), and Jameson Williams (three years, $80 million)
And according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, they might be about to add another one.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is among the best players at his position, and now that he’s eligible to sign an extension, the Lions may be incentivized to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
“Gibbs is in position to reset the running back market in a big way,” Fowler stated. “Think $20 million per year or over because the Lions have expressed interest in doing a deal with Gibbs. There isn’t a lot of progress here yet. You have the next couple months leading into training camp to try to hash this out.
“But because of the looming presence of Bijan Robinson, too, who’s also eligible for an extension, Gibbs is in a position where if he wants to wait for Robinson to go first, he can do that. So, it’s a little bit of a game of chess between those two top running backs.”
Over his first three seasons, Gibbs has put forth quite a strong resume.
He’s totaled 3,580 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground plus 181 catches, 1,449 yards, and 10 touchdowns through the air. Gibbs is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league, ranking fifth in yards from scrimmage last season and third in 2024.
Because of his production, and playing in the Lions’ high-octane offense, Gibbs just may become the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
“There are some I’ve talked to around the league who believe Gibbs is the very best running back over Robinson in the entire NFL,” Fowler added. “So, he’s going to get a major contract. They want to do it, just not a lot of progress yet. It’s going to take some time.”
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