Jahmyr Gibbs signs record extension with Lions
By Michael
Jahmyr Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB for the Detroit Lions, agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million extension that can reach $75.75 million with incentives, including $51.5 million guaranteed, per agent Todd France of Athletes First. The deal came two days after Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson reset the market at three years and $66.75 million. Gibbs topped it.
The contract ends Gibbs' training camp hold-in. He's 23 years old and a three-time Pro Bowler.
What he did in 2025
Gibbs finished fifth in the league with 1,839 yards from scrimmage (1,223 rushing, 616 receiving) and second in total touchdowns with 18. His 77 receptions on 94 targets and 616 receiving yards were all career highs. He posted three individual weeks as the highest-scoring RB and delivered nine top-12 performances despite sharing a backfield with David Montgomery.
How does Montgomery's departure change the workload?
Detroit traded Montgomery to the Houston Texans in March. Montgomery averaged 187 carries and 835 rushing yards across his three seasons with the Lions. That volume has to go somewhere, and Gibbs is the clear beneficiary.
Over the final eight games of 2025, Gibbs posted a nearly 20% target share and averaged just under 50 receiving yards per game. He already had 77 catches compared to Montgomery's 24. More red zone work is a reasonable expectation in 2026.
The Lions also hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator. Petzing spent three seasons as OC in Arizona, so there is a new scheme to track, but Gibbs' pass-catching role looks unlikely to shrink.
Fantasy outlook for 2026
Gibbs is a legitimate No. 1 overall pick in one-QB formats. The only player worth debating ahead of him is Robinson, who has his own new contract and a strong profile. Beyond that pair, there's a gap.
If you're in a dynasty league, this contract confirms Gibbs is the centerpiece of Detroit's offense for at least the next three years. In redraft, he's a first-overall-pick asset with even more upside now that Montgomery is gone. The extension removes any roster uncertainty that might have pushed managers toward safer options.