Matt Johnson
The Detroit Lions have become one of the best teams in the National Football League at drafting and developing talent. With a majority of their homegrown players already signed to long-term deals, a Jahmyr Gibbs contract extension could be next.
During an appearance on NFL Live, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said that Gibbs is positioned to “reset the running back market” with his next deal. A new extension reportedly could wind up in the range of $20 million per year and something could be reached this summer.
As Fowler noted, one complicating layer to this is the contract negotiations between the Atlanta Falcons and All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson. Atlanta is equally committed to making a long-term commitment to the centerpiece of its offense, and Robinson’s deal will reset the market. It just comes down to who gets a deal first.
Currently, the highest-paid running backs in the NFL are Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million average annual value), Christian McCaffrey ($19 million AAV) and Devon Achane ($16 million AAV). The projected extensions for Gibbs and Robinson are anticipated to eclipse that $20 million AAV line.
Given the recent histories of the organizations, Gibbs seems likelier to be paid first. Detroit just signed linebacker Jack Campbell to a contract extension; he joins the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell and Jameson Williams to be rewarded with long-term deals.
A new extension would ensure that the core of the Lions’ roster is under contract for the foreseeable future. While it might limit their ability to add talent in NFL free agency or via trade, the organization’s track record of player development is a testament to how important the NFL Draft remains for their sustained success.
As for whether it will be Robinson or Gibbs who is ultimately the highest-paid NFL running back, some around the league believe that title will belong to Detroit’s star. Fowler noted that there is some belief around the NFL that Gibbs is “the very best, No. 1 running back” and should be paid more than Robinson.
If Atlanta strikes a deal first, it’s even possible that Gibbs’ camp could use that contract to push his value even higher. By the end of the summer, there could be three running backs signed to multi-year extensions worth more than $20 million annually.
