Pundits expect the Detroit Lions to pay a lot to extend running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a new contract. But the running back’s price tag could be so high, he sets new records in multiple ways.
That’s what Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued Sunday. Knox projected Gibbs to receive a 3-year, $69 million extension.
That would give the Pro Bowler the most total money in a deal for a running back and the highest average annual salary at the position.
“Saquon Barkley currently tops the market with a $20.6 million annual salary, but the gap between Barkley and everyone else is closing. The extension De’Von Achane recently received from the Miami Dolphins will pay him $16 million annually, and Jeremiyah Love’s rookie contract is worth $13.3 million per year,” wrote Knox.
“Yes, Love’s deal is a product of draft slotting, but it’s still likely to raise the floor for top-tier running back contracts.”
Projecting Contract Extension for Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs
On May 18, CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles took a stab at predicting the next contract for the Lions running back.
Pereles concluded with a 4-year, $84 million extension projection. His prediction also included $46 million guaranteed.
That’s obviously not a pittance. In fact, $46 million guaranteed would set a running back record.
But most fans and pundits get caught up in average annual salary or total contract value. Knox’s newest projection gave Gibbs a higher average annual salary and still a record-setting total value amount.
At $64 million, Miami Dolphins’ Devon Achane has the new highest total value contract for a running back.
Detroit exercised the fifth-year option in Gibbs’ contract, so the team has time to negotiate an extension with the running back. But a new deal could conceivably come at any point this summer.
The Lions just signed linebacker Jack Campbell to a 4-year, $81 million extension. That deal will make Campbell one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league when the extension begins.
Lions in “Race” to Sign Gibbs to Contract Extension?
While the Lions have time for a Gibbs extension because he isn’t a free agent until 2028, it will likely be in Detroit’s best interest to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
Knox explained that the Lions could be racing with the Atlanta Falcons to sign Gibbs before the Falcons ink fellow running back Bijan Robinson to a new contract.
Gibbs or Robinson could completely “reset” the running back market. Then whichever running back gets his second contract could top that new market.
“The difference with Robinson—and Gibbs, for that matter—is youth. Robinson is only 24 years old, and whenever the Falcons pay him, they’ll be paying him for multiple years of his playing prime,” wrote Knox.
“Presumably, the Falcons will look to pay Robinson before Gibbs puts pen to paper.”
Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards with 13 touchdowns last season. He also had 77 receptions for a career-best 616 receiving yards, giving him 1,839 yards from scrimmage.
It was the second straight season Gibbs had at least 1,800 yards from scrimmage. He registered 1,929 yards from scrimmage with a league-high 20 total touchdowns in 2024.
In 49 career NFL games, Gibbs has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and scored 49 touchdowns. He has 3,580 rushing yards and 1,449 receiving yards.
Lions Get New, Even Higher Jahmyr Gibbs Contract Projection