It was only days ago that the Atlanta Falcons re-signed running back Bijan Robinson to a three-year, $75 million contract, making him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. However, his status lasted only a few days.
Minutes ago, the Detroit Lions announced that they’ve locked up running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a three-year contract worth up to $75.75 million, officially making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
The news was confirmed by NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who reported the following:
“Last but hardly least: Three-time Pro Bowl selection Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions reached agreement today on a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, now making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back, confirmed by his @AthletesFirst agent Todd France (Toddfrance_ on IG),” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The most important matter of internal business for GM Brad Holmes has now been taken care of.
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Will Soon Join His Teammates in Full Practice
Gibbs has been present at the Lions Performance Center in Allen Park for Training Camp, but had yet to participate in drills with the rest of his teammates.
Now that he’s got his contract officially taken care of, it won’t be long before Gibbs returns to action.
Head coach Dan Campbell recently stated that the club is looking forward to having him back in the swing of things, noting that his eventual extension was going to get done when it gets done.
“I think it certainly’s not going to hurt,” Campbell said. “It’s not going to hurt, but we’ll see. I’m anxious to get Gibbs back out there. Every day that goes by, that’s another day that you feel like you miss with him and getting him out there with the guys and him doing his part. But, there again, it’ll get done when it gets done.”
Jahmyr Gibbs Enters 2026 as Detroit’s Top Running Back
Gibbs enters the 2026 season with an opportunity to take on an even larger role after Detroit traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans this offseason. The former first-round pick is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign in which he totaled 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns, finishing among the NFL’s top offensive players at his position.
He also posted career highs by hauling in 77 receptions for a total of 616 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Through his first three NFL seasons, Gibbs has already put together one of the strongest starts by a running back in league history. Although he spent much of that time sharing carries with Montgomery, Gibbs has reached the end zone 49 times, the most ever by a player through his first three seasons, surpassing Lions icon and Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders’ previous record of 47.
He has also rushed for 3,580 yards since entering the league in 2023, placing him among the NFL’s best early-career rushers while becoming one of only a handful of players to eclipse both 3,500 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards in their first three seasons.
Lions Make NFL History With Record-Breaking Deal For Jahmyr Gibbs