Lions' Gibbs Resets Running Back Market
It’s been a busy week as far as contract negotiations go in the NFL. As mentioned previously, Stefon Diggs came off the board as an option for teams as the receiver signed a one-year, $12 million contract with Washington. That was far from the lone deal we’ve heard about this week, nor was it the biggest contract handed out. In addition, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (three years, $75 million) and Colts back Jonathan Taylor (two years, $44 million) reset the market at running back.
Later on Thursday, another domino fell, again pushing the market in an upward direction. Jahmyr Gibbs, who was holding in at training camp, agreed to an extension with the Lions. The deal is three years, $67.5 million with $51.5 million guaranteed. With incentives, the deal could be worth as much as $75.75 million. His average salary of $22.5 million makes him the highest-paid running back in the league. Let’s break it down.
What Gibbs Has Done on the Field
He ran 243 times for 1,223 yards and 13 scores last season. In addition, he added 77 receptions for 616 yards and five additional scores for the Lions. After being part of a time share with David Montgomery, Montgomery was dealt to Houston in the offseason. The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco from Kansas City in free agency but it’s clear that Gibbs is the number one back this season. That puts him in line for a more dominant campaign as opposed to last year, when Montgomery got 158 carries.
In his career, Gibbs has 675 carries for 3,580 yards and 39 scores on the ground. Meanwhile, he adds 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and 10 scores in the passing game. All told, Gibbs racked up 5,049 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns in his first three years in the league.
Is the Deal Worth It?
In an era where the salary cap continues to climb, it’s very possible that this deal won’t seem outlandish. It keeps Gibbs in the fold through the 2030 season. This deal doesn’t even kick in until 2028 as he has two years left on his rookie deal as the Lions picked up his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason. With Gibbs the focal point of the run game and an adept pass catcher out of the backfield, he’ll remain productive. After all, by the time the deal ends, he’ll be 28 (29 for the 2031 season) so he’s in his prime.
It’s safe to project that, barring injury, Gibbs produces quality numbers over the course of his deal. As it stands, he has the most touchdowns by a player in his first three seasons in NFL history. That mark was previously held by another Lion, Barry Sanders, who had 47 in his first three years.
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The move also reinforces that the Lions are interested in keeping their drafted talent in the fold. They’ve worked out a deal with linebacker Jack Campbell earlier in the offseason. Meanwhile, last season saw Aidan Hutchinson sign an extension. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Penei Sewell, Jameson Williams, Derrick Barnes and Kerby Joseph all were extended in recent years.
As for who’s next on the potential list to be inked to a new deal, there are a couple names that stand out. Tight end Sam LaPorta and cornerback Brian Branch are both in the final year of their rookie deals in what was a fruitful 2023 NFL Draft by the Lions. Both are candidates for GM Brad Holmes to lock up next as the Lions try to make their way to the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
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Lions' Gibbs Resets Running Back Market
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