Jahmyr Gibbs just reset the running back market with a three-year, $67.5 million extension for the Detroit Lions, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Days before that, Bijan Robinson inked a three-year, $66.75 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, and Jonathan Taylor locked in a two-year, $44 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. All three deals put these guys north of $20 million annually. This feels like a massive breakthrough moment after years of the position being viewed as dispensable, but when you zoom out and look at our very own Jaxon Smith-Njigba, it tells a whole different story about true market value.
Are Running Backs REALLY Back?
These massive running back contracts, plus the Arizona Cardinals using the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Jeremiah Love, mark the first time an RB went top five in eight years. So, are we seeing a running back renaissance in the league? Eric D. Williams said it felt like Robinson and Gibbs struck a breakthrough. Before these deals, Saquon Barkley was the only running back making over $20 million annually, with an average salary of $20.6 million. These guys blowing past that is huge for the position, no doubt. They’re making big money, and they’ve earned it, proving they are legitimate playmakers.
The JSN Comparison That Hits Different
However, a league source who negotiates player contracts threw some ice water on the “renaissance” talk. While acknowledging Robinson and Gibbs are “overall playmakers” and “effective pass catchers,” the source said front offices still view the position as a “value opportunity from a cap and contract management standpoint.” That’s a tough pill to swallow. This source even went as far as to say Robinson and Gibbs are ” $30 million [and maybe $40 million] per year players, if we were solely valuing them on their impact on the game.” That’s high praise for their on-field production.
But here’s where it gets real for us Seattle fans. When you compare Gibbs’ $22.5 million average annual salary at the top of the running back market to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s $42.15 million APY at the top of the wide receiver market, it’s clear there’s still a massive gap. Smith-Njigba makes 87% more than Gibbs. And the source flat out said, “Yet Smith-Njigba is not 87% more impactful than Gibbs, so we still have a long way to go before one can say the RB market is increasingly being valued more.” Since 2023, Robinson leads the league with 5,648 scrimmage yards, Gibbs is third with 5,029, and Smith-Njigba is 20th with 3,613. These running backs are putting up insane numbers, but the market just isn’t there yet compared to wideouts like JSN.
Our man Jaxon Smith-Njigba is out there getting paid what he’s worth, and it truly highlights just how much more ground running backs still have to cover in the NFL salary landscape. It’s a testament to JSN’s talent and what he means to our Hawks. Let’s keep watching our guys fight for every yard and every dollar!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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