Jahmyr Gibbs signs record RB contract with Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs becomes the highest-paid RB in NFL history

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB for the Detroit Lions, agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract that could reach $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter. At $22.5 million per year, Gibbs tops the new RB market, surpassing Bijan Robinson's deal by $250,000 annually.

The contract came just two days after Robinson reset the market with the Atlanta Falcons. Jonathan Taylor's $22M-per-year extension with the Colts also came in the same window. Three of the largest RB contracts in NFL history were signed within days of each other.

Gibbs had been holding in from practice while the contract was resolved.

What the contract means for fantasy

This is straightforwardly good news for fantasy managers who hold Gibbs. The contract confirms his role as Detroit's featured back going forward and removes any near-term uncertainty about his standing on the depth chart.

His production backs up the price tag. Over the past two seasons, his 38 touchdowns are four more than any other player. He finished as a top-three fantasy back in each of those years and, according to research notes, is the only running back to average at least 21 PPR points per game in both seasons.

In 2025, Gibbs posted 1,929 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns.

Does David Montgomery change anything?

Montgomery recently signed a two-year, $18.25 million extension with Detroit, keeping him as the No. 2 back through 2027. The Lions are not moving toward a single-back setup. Gibbs remains the clear lead option, but Montgomery will continue to absorb a share of the work, which is a familiar dynamic for anyone who has rostered Gibbs.

The offensive line is worth watching. Detroit has made four changes up front over the past two seasons, and the line's cohesion will matter for how efficiently Gibbs can produce on the ground.

Updated highest-paid RB contracts by new-money APY

• Jahmyr Gibbs: $22.5M (Lions)
• Bijan Robinson: $22.25M (Falcons)
• Jonathan Taylor: $22M (Colts)
• Saquon Barkley: $20.6M (Eagles)
• Christian McCaffrey: $19M (49ers)
• Devon Achane: $16M
• Derrick Henry: $15M
• Breece Hall: $14.5M

For redraft and PPR leagues, Gibbs is cemented as a first-round pick. The contract changes nothing about his ceiling but eliminates any offseason hold-in risk and confirms the Lions are paying him like a franchise centerpiece.