Jahmyr Gibbs is back on the practice field, and all signs point to a blockbuster extension that could make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history
With another day of training camp in the books, the Detroit Lions welcomed a familiar face back onto the practice field. Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs suited up in pads for the first time since training camp began after previously attending practices only to support his teammates while remaining sidelined amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Gibbs’ return comes as negotiations appear to be gaining serious momentum.
Earlier Thursday, it was reported that three-time Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to a two-year, $44 million extension worth up to $47 million with $39 million guaranteed. That deal came just days after Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $75 million. Robinson’s contract includes a record $51 million guaranteed, with $37 million paid at signing, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history at just over $22 million per season.
Those contracts have set the market for elite running backs, and Gibbs is reportedly seeking to surpass Robinson’s annual average salary.
On Wednesday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the ongoing negotiations during an appearance on SiriusXM.
“We’re having dialogue. We’ll see where it goes.”
Head coach Dan Campbell was also asked about Gibbs’ contract situation and acknowledged that the recent wave of running back extensions around the league certainly doesn’t hurt Detroit’s negotiations.
Following Thursday’s practice, Gibbs avoided speaking with reporters. However, when asked whether a deal was close, he simply smiled, gave a thumbs-up, and walked into the team facility.
Although Gibbs was back in uniform, his workload remained limited. He did not participate in any team drills and instead spent most of practice working with trainers on the side through individual exercises.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Lions and Gibbs have made substantial progress on a three-year contract extension that would make him the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
Schultz also reported that the hope is to finalize the agreement as early as Thursday, allowing Gibbs to fully return to practice and participate in team drills.
Getting Gibbs back on the field would be a significant development for Detroit. While the dynamic running back is one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive weapons and likely wouldn’t need much time to regain his form, valuable reps in training camp are especially important with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing installing his system. Every practice gives Gibbs another opportunity to build chemistry within the offense before the regular season begins.
At this point, it appears to be a matter of when—not if—the two sides reach an agreement. Detroit knows how valuable Gibbs is to its offense, and all signs point toward the franchise locking up one of the league’s premier playmakers for years to come.
