Jahmyr Gibbs agreed to a three-year, $67.75 million extension with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, a deal that includes a staggering $51.5 million guaranteed, and immediately crowns him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. This isn’t just about Gibbs getting paid, though. This move absolutely reset the running back market at lightning speed, catching everyone off guard and changing the landscape for the position across the entire league.
The Wild Week That Reset The RB Market
Seriously, if you blinked, you missed it. Gibbs’ monster deal came down mere hours after the Indianapolis Colts reportedly signed Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension. Think that was a big splash? Hold on. Just two days prior, the Atlanta Falcons inked Bijan Robinson to a three-year, $66.75 million extension, with a $22.5 million average annual value. Robinson was the highest-paid back for about 48 hours, Taylor held the crown for a cup of coffee, and now Gibbs blows them both out of the water with his $22.25 million average annual value. It’s a game of musical chairs with millions of dollars, and Gibbs ended up with the biggest prize. The value for running backs has been a hot topic for years, but this three-day frenzy shows teams are willing to pay for elite talent when they find it.
Gibbs’ Numbers Speak For Themselves, Loud And Clear
So, is he worth that kind of cash? Look at the resume! Gibbs has been a Pro Bowler in every single one of his three NFL seasons, from 2023 through 2025. That kind of consistency at a demanding position is rare. Over the last two seasons, 2024 and 2025, the dude has been an absolute machine, rushing for an average of 1,317.5 yards and 14.5 touchdowns per year, all while averaging a sweet 5.3 yards per carry. He’s not just a runner either; Gibbs is a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. In that same two-season span, he’s averaged 64.5 receptions for 566.5 yards and 4.5 touchdowns per season. Last season alone, Pro Football Football Focus had him third among all running backs with a whopping 62 forced missed tackles. And let’s not forget his 2024 season, where he led the entire NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. The Lions snagged him with the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama, and he’s delivered big time.
What This Means For Detroit Moving Forward
This massive investment in Gibbs shows the Lions are all-in on their core talent. They also extended linebacker Jack Campbell earlier this offseason, a 2025 All-Pro who was in the same 2023 draft class as Gibbs, signing him to a four-year, $81 million deal. Campbell was the No. 18 pick that year out of Iowa. Detroit is building around these young stars. They’re coming off a 9-8 season where they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, so the urgency to win is definitely there. Committing this much to Gibbs, after securing Campbell, signals they believe this group can get them back to consistent playoff contention. The pressure is on, but with talent like this locked up, the future looks incredibly bright for the Lions.
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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