Jahmyr Gibbs could have a new role for the Lions in 2026

The Detroit Lions may really be trying to maximize what they have in Jahmyr Gibbs.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to reporters this week at NFL League Meetings. During the session, Campbell said that it is possible that the star running back Gibbs will see more work as a receiver in 2026.

“Gibbs, we didn’t view Gibbs as a runner, he was a weapon,” said Campbell, per Pro Football Talk. “We felt like Gibbs, this guy is gonna explode. Yes, he’s a runne. He can run all schemes. He can run inside, outside, the perimeters. But he also can be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet.

“We feel like this guy can play some receiver,” Campbell added of Gibbs. “He’s dynamic and he’s a difference-maker. They don’t come around often.”

Gibbs, still only 24, started in all 17 games for the Lions last season, rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns. While he already did some decent work as a receiver (77 catches for 616 yards), Campbell may envision Gibbs as someone more like a Christian McCaffrey (102 catches for 924 yards) or a De’Von Achane (67 catches for 488 yards in a dysfunctional offense).

The Lions made a noteworthy clear-out move earlier in the offseason by trading away fellow running back David Montgomery (much to the chagrin of Gibbs). As such, there will be more responsibility on Gibbs’ shoulders in 2026, beyond just his role as a bellcow in the Detroit backfield.