Detroit Lions: NFL Analyst Predicts Massive Extension For RB Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions have never been shy about rewarding cornerstone players before they hit free agency, and one NFL analyst believes running back Jahmyr Gibbs could be next in line for a significant payday.

With several high-profile running backs approaching extension talks across the league, including Bijan Robinson, the timing of a potential Gibbs deal could end up being just as important as the contract itself. One recent projection suggests Gibbs could land a three-year, $69 million extension, a deal that would place him among the highest-paid running backs in NFL history.

Why the Detroit Lions May Want to Act Quickly

Detroit has established a clear pattern under general manager Brad Holmes. When the organization identifies a core player, it often moves aggressively to negotiate an extension before market prices climb even higher.

The Detroit Lions recently demonstrated that philosophy by signing linebacker Jack Campbell to a lucrative new deal that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid off-ball linebackers. Applying the same strategy to Gibbs would make sense.

The former first-round pick has quickly become one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons, producing more than 5,000 scrimmage yards and nearly 50 total touchdowns during his first three NFL seasons. Despite sharing touches for much of his career, Gibbs has consistently delivered explosive plays both as a runner and receiver. For Detroit, waiting could become expensive.

The Bijan Robinson Factor Looms Large

One of the biggest complications in Jahmyr Gibbs’ negotiations may have nothing to do with Detroit. Instead, it could come from Atlanta. Robinson, selected just four picks ahead of Gibbs in the 2023 NFL Draft, is widely expected to receive a massive extension of his own in the near future. Both players are viewed as franchise offensive pieces and among the NFL’s elite young running backs.

That creates an interesting dynamic. If Robinson signs first and resets the market, Gibbs’ representatives would likely use that contract as a benchmark during negotiations. Conversely, if Detroit reaches an agreement with Gibbs first, Robinson’s camp could point to that deal as the new standard for top-tier running backs. In other words, whichever player signs second may ultimately benefit from the first deal.

Running Back Contracts Are Rising Again

For years, the running back market appeared stagnant compared to other offensive positions. That trend is beginning to change.

Saquon Barkley currently sits atop the market with an annual average value of roughly $20.6 million per season, but the gap between the league’s highest-paid backs and the next tier continues to shrink.

Recent contracts have pushed the market upward, creating more leverage for elite young players entering extension talks.

As teams increasingly rely on versatile running backs who can impact games as runners, receivers, and pass protectors, players like Gibbs and Robinson have stronger cases for premium contracts than many backs who came before them.

Is $69 Million Realistic?

A projected three-year, $69 million extension would average $23 million annually, surpassing Barkley’s current benchmark and potentially making Gibbs the highest-paid running back in football. At first glance, that number may seem aggressive.

However, the NFL salary cap continues to rise dramatically each year, and Gibbs is entering what should be the prime of his career. He also offers value beyond traditional rushing statistics thanks to his ability to create mismatches in the passing game.

For Detroit, the question isn’t necessarily whether Gibbs deserves a market-setting contract. The bigger question may be whether the Lions can get a deal done before another elite young running back changes the market again.

The Lions Have a Decision to Make

Detroit has spent the last several years locking up foundational pieces before negotiations become more difficult.

If the organization views Jahmyr Gibbs as a long-term centerpiece of its offense—and his production certainly suggests he is—the Lions may have a strong incentive to begin extension talks sooner rather than later.

Because once Robinson signs his deal, or another star running back resets the market, the price of keeping one of the NFL’s most explosive playmakers could climb even higher.