Jahmyr Gibbs is officially the highest-paid running back in NFL history, and the ink is barely dry on the deal. Just two days after Bijan Robinson reset the market, the Detroit Lions swooped in and locked up their star with a three-year, $67.5 million extension. That deal could climb to a whopping $75.75 million, with $51.5 million guaranteed. Yeah, you read that right. It’s a huge commitment, but when you look at what Gibbs has already done, you get why the Lions aren’t messing around.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: He’s Earned It
This isn’t some speculative deal; Gibbs has been straight up electric since he got into the league as the 12th overall pick in 2023. Over his three seasons, he’s averaged 1,745 scrimmage yards annually, found the end zone an insane 49 times, and consistently chewed up turf with 5.3 yards per carry. Those are Pro Bowl caliber numbers. Seriously, check out where he ranks among his peers since 2023 for guys with at least 200 carries: he’s 7th in rushing yards with 3,580, 3rd in scrimmage yards with 5,029, 2nd in yards per carry at 5.3, 2nd in rushing touchdowns with 39, and get this: he’s 1st in total touchdowns with 49! The craziest part? He pulled all that off while splitting the backfield duties with David Montgomery. Imagine what he can do unleashed.
Coach Campbell’s New Bell Cow
Well, we don’t have to imagine much longer. With Montgomery now in Houston, Coach Dan Campbell made it clear what the plan is for Gibbs. “He’s going to be our bell cow now,” Campbell declared back in June. “We’re going to hang our hat on him quite a bit.” Campbell isn’t just handing him the keys; he knows what he’s got. He raves about Gibbs’ versatility, saying he “can run every scheme that anybody’s ever run.” This isn’t just an outside speedster or a space runner. Campbell explicitly said, “He can create his own space in the middle. And some of his biggest runs have been gap scheme right down the pipe.” The Lions are signaling they trust Gibbs completely, and his workload is about to go through the roof.
What’s Next for Detroit’s Young Stars?
With Gibbs now locked down, and linebacker Jack Campbell already bagging a four-year, $81 million deal earlier this offseason, the Lions are showing they’re committed to their 2023 draft class. GM Brad Holmes has already voiced interest in extending tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch. LaPorta has been a monster, so that feels like a no-brainer. Branch is a bit different though. Coach Campbell wants to see how Branch recovers from his torn Achilles. “You always want to know that your guys are healthy and this is truly healed,” Campbell said. That makes total sense when you’re talking about a big investment. It’ll be fascinating to see how they handle those next two deals as they build around this young, explosive core.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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