Detroit’s biggest offensive weapon is sitting out drills, and it’s not because he’s hurt. Jahmyr Gibbs wants a new contract.
To begin training camp, there was one player who was not there, and no, it wasn’t because of an injury. It was because of a holdout.
Jahmyr Gibbs has begun to sit out practices as he looks to get a new contract with the Lions. Many players are starting to approach holdouts differently. Instead of holding out completely, they’re “holding in” by showing up to practice but not actually participating. Gibbs officially did report to camp but has not taken part in any drills.
Last season, Detroit dealt with something similar with Alex Anzalone wanting a new contract. Ultimately, Anzalone did not receive a new deal but instead got a revised contract with more incentives and a little more money for last season. This is the first time in the Brad Holmes era that Detroit is dealing with a substantial core player who is essentially not practicing while looking for a new contract.
Although Gibbs is looking for a new contract, he is still under contract with the Lions through 2027 and would face heavy fines and penalties if he began to sit out games. As of right now, my concern meter is less than a one out of 10. I don’t think this is really a big issue, but if it prolongs into the end of training camp and toward the end of the preseason, then it could become an issue.
One thing to note is that Detroit did hire a new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, so it would be good to see Gibbs practice in the new-look offense. However, as talented of a player as he is, I don’t necessarily deem it necessary and think he can pick it up at any point.
Gibbs also sets somewhat of a precedent for other players who will eventually be looking for new contracts, showing that holdouts can work. With the news of Kerby Joseph being placed on the PUP list and Brian Branch tearing his Achilles before receiving a new contract, I can see why Gibbs is being overly cautious and wanting a new deal, especially since running backs typically don’t make as much money as other star players.
One thing to note is that it’s not just Gibbs who is holding out. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has begun to hold out as well. Robinson is a player very similar to Gibbs, if not almost identical in value, and is also looking for a new contract. Both players will likely receive very similar contracts and more than likely become the two highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
Former Lions running back David Montgomery spoke on Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract situation with a post on Instagram:
“Give my baby anything he want! He earned that shit! On mamas.”
Dan Campbell also addressed Jahmyr Gibbs’ holdout:
“This will kind of continue. It’ll come as it comes. I think that’s the best way to say it. This is both sides working through something, and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s where it is.”
Adam Schefter sat down with Brad Galli the other day and discussed the contract situations involving Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, saying that Gibbs could be extended at any time within the next few weeks.
When asked about contract talks during the offseason, Gibbs responded that he was “just focused on football” and didn’t seem to make too much of the situation.
I side with Schefter. I believe the Lions recognize the talent Gibbs provides the team, and he’s too important of a piece not to get back on the field and working with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. I believe a deal will get done within the next few weeks.
