Detroit Lions have $100M decision to make on Jahmyr Gibbs soon

Who said the NFL running back market is dead? More than a month has passed since the NFL Draft, and teams are deep into OTAs with minicamps just around the corner. While most roster-building moves are complete, several major contract extensions still loom across the league.

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The Detroit Lions already exercised Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option, and for good reason. Gibbs has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier running backs and a centerpiece of Detroit’s explosive offense. With backfield partner David Montgomery no longer in the picture, Gibbs now stands as the unquestioned lead back.

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As a result, the Lions may soon face a significant financial decision. Despite having two years remaining on his rookie contract, reports indicate Gibbs could command more than $20 million annually on his next deal. Given that most blockbuster extensions span four or five years, Detroit could be looking at a commitment worth $100 million or more.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings with running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At first glance, the decision appears simple: keep your elite playmaker. However, even as the running back market rebounds, concerns about long-term durability remain. The encouraging news for Detroit is that Gibbs has accumulated less wear and tear than many starting running backs at this stage of their careers.

An ideal start to a brilliant career

Early in his career, Gibbs benefited from sharing the workload in Detroit’s “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield tandem with Montgomery. The duo complemented each other well, allowing the Lions to avoid overworking either player while maintaining one of the league’s most effective rushing attacks. Still, Gibbs gradually established himself as the primary option.

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After playing 56% and 55% of the offensive snaps during his first two seasons, Gibbs saw that number jump to 67% in 2025. That percentage will almost certainly increase now that he is Detroit’s featured back. While the Lions successfully managed his workload early on, questions remain about how much usage he can handle over the next several seasons.

Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Gibbs is under contract through the 2027 season, but if Detroit chooses not to negotiate an extension, another team likely will. The current running back market is led by Saquon Barkley at $20.6 million per year, with Christian McCaffrey close behind at $19.6 million annually.

Gibbs could very well surpass both figures. In fact, it’s not difficult to envision him pushing toward $25 million per season on the high end of the market.

That leaves the Lions with a massive question: Should they commit more than $100 million to Jahmyr Gibbs and make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history?

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