Detroit Lions Make Jahmyr Gibbs the Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History

The Detroit Lions and running back Jahmyr Gibbs agreed to a three-year contract extension Thursday worth $67.5 million, with incentives that could push the total to $75.75 million. The deal includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money and keeps Gibbs in Detroit through the 2030 season. At $22.5 million per year, it makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, surpassing the extension Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson signed just two days earlier.
The agreement ended a brief training camp hold-in. Gibbs had been attending camp as an observer while his agent, Todd France of Athletes First, negotiated with the Lions. Shortly after the deal was finalized, Gibbs was back on the field in uniform, taking part in the walkthrough portion of Thursday’s practice.

A Record That Lasted 48 Hours

Robinson made history Wednesday when he signed a three-year, $66.75 million extension with Atlanta averaging $22.25 million annually. That deal briefly made him the third running back ever to average more than $20 million per year in an extension, joining Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Gibbs’ extension moved past Robinson by $250,000 per year, resetting the market again in the span of a single week.
Taylor also signed a two-year, $44 million extension with Indianapolis on Thursday, meaning three of the top running back contracts in NFL history were all agreed to within a 72-hour window.

What Gibbs Has Done

Gibbs was selected by Detroit with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama, after the Lions traded back six spots to take him. Critics questioned the move at the time — spending a top-12 pick on a running back felt aggressive — but the results have quieted that conversation. Through three NFL seasons, Gibbs has totaled 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns while earning three Pro Bowl selections. Last season he finished fifth in the league with 1,839 yards from scrimmage and second in total touchdowns with 18. His receiving numbers also hit a career high — 77 catches for 616 yards and five scores.
With David Montgomery traded to the Houston Texans in March, Gibbs is now the clear lead back in Detroit’s offense. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who spent three seasons running the Arizona Cardinals’ offense, will design his system around Gibbs and former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, who the Lions signed this offseason.

What’s Next for the Lions

Gibbs becomes the second player from Detroit’s 2023 draft class to earn a long-term second contract with the team. Linebacker Jack Campbell received a four-year, $81 million extension earlier this offseason. General manager Brad Holmes has publicly said he wants to lock up tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch as well, though a torn Achilles for Branch has complicated the timing on that negotiation.
Source: ESPN (Adam Schefter), NFL Network (Ian Rapoport), Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, Detroit Football Network, Pride of Detroit