If the Lions make Jahmyr Gibbs the NFL’s highest-paid running back, it won’t be an overpay — it’ll be a statement. In a league that questions RB value, Detroit may be betting on the one back redefining it.
With reports swirling that the Jahmyr Gibbs contract extension this offseason could land him a four-year, $88 million deal — making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL — the conversation has shifted from if Detroit should invest big to why it makes sense for both Gibbs and the franchise. At a time when running back salaries fluctuate and the position’s long-term value is debated, Gibbs has built a résumé that warrants elite compensation.
Currently, Eagles star Saquon Barkley holds the title of highest-paid back at roughly $20.6 million per year. Gibbs’ extension would surpass that mark and reset the market — and there are solid reasons why Detroit should be comfortable with that commitment.
A Unique Blend of Production and Efficiency
Since entering the NFL as the No. 12 overall pick in 2023, Gibbs has been one of the most productive backs in football. He rushed for 1,412 yards on 250 carries in 2024 — fifth-most in the league despite a shared backfield — and finished with 20 total touchdowns and over 1,900 yards from scrimmage. His 5.6 yards per carry ranked among the best in the league, indicating explosive playmaking ability when given the ball.
Even in 2025, Gibbs remained a force, tallying 1,223 rushing yards with 13 rushing touchdowns, plus 616 receiving yards and five scores through the air. That dual-threat ability doesn’t just make him a workhorse on the ground; it transforms Detroit’s offense into a more dynamic unit.
Beyond raw numbers, Gibbs’ efficiency is elite. He has racked up more than 50 explosive runs (15+ yards) since entering the league — trailing only NFL legend Derrick Henry in that category — and equals Jonathan Taylor in explosive touchdowns. Those are context-agnostic metrics that underline his big-play capability.
How He Compares to the League’s Best
A clutch comparison against other elite backs shows Gibbs isn’t just keeping pace — in some respects, he’s ahead of the pack.
• Saquon Barkley: Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards in 2024 are historic, but it came on 95 more carries than Gibbs. Gibbs’ efficiency (5.6 YPC) was nearly equal, and his receiving contributions give him a more complete offensive profile.
• Bijan Robinson: Atlanta’s Robinson has been a consistent producer with 1,456 rushing yards in 2024, yet Gibbs’ involvement in the passing game and explosiveness remain strong differentiators.
• Christian McCaffrey: McCaffrey’s résumé speaks for itself, but durability and age often factor into long-term contracts. Gibbs, still early in his peak years, offers both youth and ascending trajectory.
• Jonathan Taylor: Taylor’s bounce back in 2024 was impressive, but Gibbs’ versatility and higher yards per carry efficiency give Detroit flexibility in offensive scheming.
Few backs combine rushing, receiving, and big-play production at the level Gibbs has already showcased in such a short span.
Beyond the Stats: Value to the Lions
Detroit’s offense has evolved around Gibbs’ skill set. He doesn’t just gain yards — he changes game dynamics. His ability to contribute in the passing game forces defenses to adjust personnel, opening up play-action and giving quarterback Jared Goff more room to operate. That impact doesn’t show up in simple rushing totals but matters in real-world outcomes.
Locking Gibbs up long term also signals stability and commitment to an offensive core built around youth and versatility. With Gibbs entering his peak athletic years, the Lions would control his prime seasons rather than risk losing him to free agency.
What It Means for David Montgomery
Paying Gibbs at the top tier inevitably raises questions about fellow back David Montgomery. Montgomery has proven himself a valuable complementary piece — and even excels in certain early-down and power situations — but a historic extension for Gibbs could lead to Montgomery being traded or taking a more defined role in 2026.
Detroit must balance respect for Montgomery’s contributions with the financial realities of roster building. A Gibbs-centric backfield could maximize production if Schemes lean into his strengths while using Montgomery as a rotational asset or trade chip.
Resetting the RB Market
Ultimately, a contract averaging roughly $22 million a year for Gibbs would reset expectations at the position. Given his elite metrics, dual-threat production, and relative youth, paying him as the highest-paid RB reflects both his current impact and future potential. As running back usage evolves in today’s NFL, a player like Gibbs — who excels as a runner, receiver and playmaker — deserves to be compensated like the rare offensive weapon he is.