Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are at training camp, but don’t get it twisted: these star running backs aren’t hitting the field for practice. Both players are staging full-on hold-ins, making it crystal clear they’re not suiting up until they lock down those long-awaited long-term contract extensions. They’ve still got two years left on their rookie deals after their teams exercised those fifth-year options, but what’s happening right now shows a major disconnect in value.
Bijan Is About to Blow Up the Market
Let’s be real, Bijan Robinson is an absolute force. Last season, he racked up a league-leading 2,298 all-purpose yards. That’s insane production! But get this: he’s currently ranked a shocking 27th among NFL running backs in total salary. Twenty-seventh! That’s just wild for a guy who put up those numbers. Everyone knows he’s about to become the league’s highest-paid running back once his extension hits. Spotrac projects him for a three-year, $56.52 million deal, averaging $18.87 million annually. That would instantly make him the third-highest-paid RB, right behind Barkley and McCaffrey. But with Robinson at just 24 years old and coming off such a monster season, there’s serious talk his new deal could be even bigger. We’re talking about potentially resetting the entire running back market, possibly making him one of only two players in the $20 million-per-year club, or even the first running back to shatter the $25 million-per-year barrier. Can you imagine?
Gibbs’ Gamble and the Ground Game Revolution
Jahmyr Gibbs is right there with Robinson, making his own statement. This guy has been a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, showing he’s an elite talent. He’s currently ranked 31st in total salary for running backs, another head-scratcher given his impact. The crazy part? His projected market value is *actually higher* than Robinson’s, even if the exact numbers aren’t out there yet. But while Robinson’s deal feels like a done deal before the regular season kicks off, Gibbs’ situation is a bit more uncertain. Lions coach Dan Campbell gave an ominous “it’ll come as it comes” response when asked about Gibbs, adding that “this is both sides working through something.” That’s not exactly a confidence booster, is it?
What’s clear is the running back market, after hitting rock bottom earlier in the decade, has roared back to life. Saquon Barkley broke the $20 million-per-season barrier last offseason, and there are now seven running backs pulling in at least $14 million annually. Robinson and Gibbs are absolutely going to join that elite group. Their hold-ins aren’t just about their own paychecks; they’re making a statement about the value of the position.
So, here we are, with two of the league’s top young running backs refusing to practice until their contracts are sorted. The clock is ticking, with both players clearly wanting these deals finalized before the regular season begins. For Robinson, it’s about getting what he’s worth and potentially reshaping what an elite running back can command. For Gibbs, it’s about securing his future after three straight Pro Bowl seasons. The market is trending up, and these guys are pushing hard to capitalize. The question now is: how quickly will their teams fall in line, and what happens if these talks drag out? This is a huge moment for the running back position across the entire NFL.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply