Lions Nearing Extension Agreement With Jahmyr Gibbs?

That leaves Gibbs as the last major domino to fall at the RB position in 2026. He has been engaged in a hold-in throughout the early stages of Lions practice while awaiting an extension agreement. It initially seemed as though that would change today, but Gibbs remained absence from team drills on Thursday. Full participation could be coming soon, though.

Optimism exists that a deal will be struck between Gibbs and the Lions this week, Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reports. The three-time Pro Bowler did not speak to the media following today’s practice. When asked by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about an agreement being imminent, however, Gibbs responded with a thumbs up. Work is indeed taking place to finalize a pact, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer adds. News of an extension could be coming soon as a result.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the parties have recently made “substantial progress” toward a contract agreement. A three-year extension is anticipated in this case. Schultz adds Gibbs is expected to become the NFL’s highest-paid running back when it is signed, a title Robinson secured with his Falcons deal.

Both Gibbs and Robinson have long been seen as the logical targets for contracts topping the RB market. The latter managed to accomplish that when he inked a three-year Atlanta deal worth up to $75MM. The $22.25MM annual average of the extension (at its base value) moved Robinson to the top of the position’s financial pecking order. Many have nevertheless expected the second back out of he and Gibbs to surpass the first in terms of compensation based on the leapfrog nature of NFL contracts, especially for players in their prime.

Taken 12th overall in 2023, Gibbs thrived in a split backfield alongside David Montgomery during his first three Lions season. Montgomery is no longer in the fold, but Gibbs has flashed plenty of potential with respect to handling a full-scale starter’s workload. He took on a career-high in snap percentage last season (67%) and delivered over 1,800 scrimmage yards along with 18 total touchdowns. Gibbs, 24, is set to remain one of the league’s most productive receiving backs for years to come in addition to serving as Detroit’s top rushing threat.

As things stand, 2026 is set to pay out $3.18MM before a fifth-year option season valued at $14.29MM. Any long-term Gibbs deal will cost much more, thanks in part to the upward movement of the running back market seen this week. Robinson secured $51MM in total guarantees on his deal, while Taylor landed $23MM at signing on a two-year extension. A substantial commitment in terms of locked-in money can be expected whenever the Lions’ next major offensive deal is in place.

Detroit already has quarterback Jared Goff, left tackle Penei Sewell as well as receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams attached to long-term deals. Linebacker Jack Campbell inked a pact averaging over $20MM per year earlier this offseason, taking one name off the list of Lions extension candidates in position for a major raise (joining Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch in that regard). Another member of that group could soon have a deal in place.