The Detroit Lions have secured one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players for the foreseeable future.
Detroit and three-time Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position. The deal carries an average annual value of $22.5 million and pushes Gibbs past Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley.
Barkley briefly established the standard when he signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension with Philadelphia in March 2025. The deal included $36 million guaranteed and carried an average annual value of $20.6 million. His time atop the market ended after a series of lucrative contracts reshaped the position.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs in for a touchdown past Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin and cornerback Jonathan Jones on Nov. 9 in Landover, Md.
Gibbs’ extension comes two days after the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year deal with Bijan Robinson. Robinson’s contract has a base value of $66.75 million and can reach $75 million, with $51 million guaranteed. Gibbs and Robinson were selected four picks apart in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.
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The Indianapolis Colts also signed Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension Thursday. Taylor’s deal can reach $47 million, includes $39 million guaranteed and keeps him under contract through the 2028 season.
For several years, NFL teams appeared reluctant to make significant financial commitments to running backs. The extensions for Barkley, Robinson, Taylor and Gibbs show that elite players at the position can still command premium money.
Gibbs produced 1,223 rushing yards, 616 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns last season. Detroit has built its offense around his explosiveness, and his extension establishes Gibbs as the league’s new financial standard at running back.
