It’s clear that Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs has become one of the best running backs in the NFL heading into the upcoming season.
Since being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs has recorded 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, along with 1,449 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through the air. However, Lions fans were shocked to hear that the 24-year-old was a non-participant at training camp on Wednesday, with many speculating that Gibbs is holding out for a new contract.
Luckily for the fanbase, general manager Brad Holmes and Gibbs are seemingly in the midst of agreeing to an extension.
This raises the question of how much the star playmaker will earn, and whether or not he will become the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Predicting Gibbs’ Contract Extension Value
In a league that values versatility at the running back position, Gibbs is truly a one-of-a-kind offensive weapon.
Gibbs is coming off another impressive season in 2025 that included him tallying 1,223 rushing yards, 616 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns. His average of five yards per carry ranked ninth amongst all qualifying running backs, while also accounting for nearly 50 percent of the Lions’ touchdowns.
The dominance on offense since his arrival to the organization has gone unnoticed and has put Gibbs in line to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
As of now, the highest-paid running back every year is Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley at $20.6 million per year. But since Gibbs is entering his prime, it’s clear he will likely surpass this value to keep up with the rising market for running backs.
However, there is one name that can throw a twist in Gibbs’ extension.
Atlanta Falcons’ star and fellow 2023 draftee Bijan Robinson is also holding out for a new contract and could easily compete with Gibbs to become the highest-paid running back this offseason. Robinson’s impact on the Falcons’ offense has been eerily similar to Gibbs’, making it a race to see who signs their extension first.
If Holmes wants to save extra money over the next few seasons, he must act fast and sign Gibbs to an extension before Robinson. Detroit does not want to be stuck paying extra for its star running back, so a deal could be reached in the coming days.
Prediction: Four years, $92 million ($23 million per year)
