Jahmyr Gibbs just dropped a bombshell on the NFL, signing a monster deal that officially makes him the highest-paid running back in league history! This isn’t just a big payday, it’s a statement, and for real, nobody in the league is truly ready for what this means for the running back position.
Detroit Is Going All-In On Their Workhorse
The Detroit Lions are paying their star runner Gibbs north of $75 million if his entire contract pays out, with a staggering $51.5 million guaranteed. Think about that for a second: $51.5 MILLION guaranteed! It’s insane! This former Alabama standout is undoubtedly a dynamic running back, and Detroit isn’t shy about saying they plan on utilizing him as a workhorse in 2026. This move comes after David Montgomery moved on to the Houston Texans this offseason, clearing the way for Gibbs to truly own that backfield. Dan Campbell and Co. are clearly leaning heavily on their young talent, and with Gibbs now officially the true feature back for his first campaign in 2026, the expectations are through the roof.
The Money Train Is Rolling For Elite Rushers
This historic deal for Gibbs hit just three days after Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a contract that could be worth over $75 million, per Spotrac, with $51 million guaranteed. Are you seeing a pattern here? Both Gibbs and Robinson are rightfully viewed as two of the best rushers in the league, so it only makes sense they’re getting paid like it. But the good news doesn’t stop there for running backs. Jonathan Taylor also jumped on the contract extension train, staying with the Indianapolis Colts for at least another two seasons. His extension promises $39 million guaranteed after he finished third in rush yards in 2025.
The New Reality For Running Back Contracts
These aren’t just isolated incidents. The league is buzzing with major running back contracts, and it’s a huge shift from where things felt like they were heading for the position. Gibbs and Robinson set the top two spots with those massive guaranteed numbers, but look at the list of these top contracts hitting the books:
- Jahmyr Gibbs , Contract worth up to $75.75 million, $51.5 million guaranteed
- Bijan Robinson , Contract worth up to $75 million, $51 million guaranteed
- De’Von Achane , Contract worth up to $64 million, $32 million guaranteed
- Jeremiyah Love , $53 million guaranteed and total value
- Travis Etienne Jr. , $52 million total value, $28 million guaranteed
- Jonathan Taylor , Contract worth up to $47 million, $39 million guaranteed
- Josh Jacobs , $48 million total value, $12.5 million guaranteed
- James Cook , $48 million total value, $30 mi guaranteed
This is a new era for running backs, especially for those elite talents. As Gibbs steps into his feature back role this season for Detroit, and with Robinson ready to roll in Atlanta, these deals are going to define how teams approach their rushing attacks. Get ready, because the ground game is getting a whole lot more expensive!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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