Jahmyr Gibbs sends clear message to Lions amid contract dispute

Jahmyr Gibbs is a training camp hold-in while awaiting a new contract

Gibbs likely would have wanted a new contract this offseason regardless of his beloved teammate’s departure, but his increased responsibilities only support his desire. While the star running back showed up to practice on Wednesday and didn’t make a fuss, he didn’t participate in team activities, which ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter attributed to his contract situation.

Gibbs has never given the impression of being a guy who likes to start drama, but he’s starting to express himself a bit more openly. Early on Thursday morning, the Pro Bowler posted a short but meaningful message on his Instagram story that could have only been directed at his team, telling Detroit that he is “patiently waiting.”                                   

Potential pitfalls of putting off Jahmyr Gibbs' extension

The Lions have to approach this situation carefully because there are multiple variables at play here. Gibbs still has two years remaining on his contract after the team picked up his fifth-year option, so he could make the situation extremely uncomfortable for all parties involved if he wants to.

Not only does he still have multiple years on his deal, but he’s also negotiating for a new deal at the same time as Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Both are viewed as two of the top halfbacks in the league and are expected to receive historic deals, so if Detroit doesn’t operate in good faith, what’s stopping Gibbs from cutting off talks and waiting for his counterpart to sign so he can make his deal even more expensive?

The Lions are coming off a disappointing 9-8 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. They have a lot of things to correct from last year and a ton of room to grow, so the last thing they want is a nasty contract dispute with one of their best players as the season approaches. Detroit would be wise to get this deal done soon before it adds another item to a long list of problems it needs to solve.