Former Alabama Star Projected to Become Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History

Former Alabama running back, and current Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs is set to become the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

According to reports from Albert Breer and Jordan Schultz, Gibbs is expected to surpass Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson as the NFL's highest-paid running back. Robinson was recently awarded a three-year, $75 million contract.

At the start of NFL Training Camp, Gibbs, along with Robinson were “holding in” with their respective teams in hopes to acquire a new contract.

To “hold in” means that both players attended training camp by being present for meetings and observing practices, but at the risk of suffering an injury, won’t participate in physical activity.

As of Thursday, August 6, Gibbs was in uniform for Lions’ practice, which signifies that a deal is imminent.

Robinson and Gibbs, both members of the 2023 draft class, stayed in contact throughout the contract process. Robinson was drafted eighth overall while Gibbs was selected 12th overall. 

As two of the NFL's premier young running backs, the pair encouraged one another throughout the negotiations.

"We just told each other, 'Just hang in there, everything's going to get done, everything's going to be all right,'" Robinson said. "And it's cool to see him go through it, too. And I hope he gets the most out of what he deserves because he deserves it -- deserves it all."

With Robinson averaging $25 million annually, Gibbs is expected to eclipse that figure.

Running back contracts have been a hot-button topic over the past few seasons. Given that the position’s career longevity has suffered, most running backs have not made more than $15 million.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley helped reset the running back market after winning the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year award and Super Bowl LIX.

Prior to Barkley, Christian McCaffrey was the highest-paid running back at $19 million per season. Robinson overtook Barkley’s AAV, and it’s expected that Gibbs exceeds Robinson.

Gibbs, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the three seasons of his NFL career, has quickly ascended as one of the more explosive running backs. 

He co-led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, with just under 2,000 scrimmage yards. 

Once finalized, Gibbs' extension will represent another significant step in the resurgence of the NFL running back market, setting a new financial benchmark for one of the league's most productive young stars.