Jahmyr Gibbs is officially the highest-paid running back in NFL history. He and the Detroit Lions have agreed to a massive three-year extension worth $67.5 million, a deal that reportedly includes a staggering $51.5 million guaranteed! This monster contract, with potential earnings up to $75.75 million, has completely reset the market. If you thought the running back position was devalued, think again because this changes the game for real.
The Running Back Market Just Went Wild
This wasn’t some quiet, backroom handshake either. Gibbs’ deal came down just two days after Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to their own massive three-year extension. Robinson’s deal was reportedly worth up to $75 million with $51 million guaranteed, making him the top earner for a hot minute. And get this: earlier on the same day, Jonathan Taylor locked down a two-year, $44 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor’s deal itself came three years after a three-year, $42 million contract that was considered a monumental step for running backs at the time. It’s a running back bonanza out there, with money flying around like never before!
Gibbs’ Record-Breaking Production Validates the Price Tag
You might be asking, “Is Gibbs even worth that kind of money?” Absolutely, without a doubt. His production isn’t just good, it’s absolutely record-breaking. According to CBS Sports Research, Gibbs has racked up an insane 49 touchdowns in his first three seasons, which is the most in NFL history. Over the past two seasons, he leads the entire NFL in scrimmage yards with 3,768 and scrimmage touchdowns with 38. We’re talking truly elite, game-changing production here. He’s also only the second player ever, alongside Nick Chubb, to average at least 5.0 yards per carry in each of his first three seasons, with a minimum of 150 touches each year. Plus, his 5.9 yards-per-touch average during his first three seasons ties for the second-most in NFL history since the 1970 merger. He’s now in the exclusive “$20 million club” alongside Robinson and Saquon Barkley. Barkley was a key player in helping the running back position rebound. He became the first running back to hit that annual salary mark with his two-year, $41.2 million extension last season, after a monstrous 2,000-yard season that helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
What This Means for Detroit
So, what does all this mean for Detroit after a season that ended short of expectations? With this new, historic contract locked down, Gibbs is set to lead the charge as the Lions look to bounce back from last year’s disappointing finish. The team put up a winning record for a fourth straight year, but they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, when they also finished 9-8. That’s gotta sting. With their superstar running back secured and motivated, the Motor City faithful are absolutely hyped for what’s coming next. This team needs to make some serious noise, and Gibbs is clearly going to be at the heart of it all. You know he’s ready to justify that monster pay day.
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.
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