Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs mum on contract negotiations

ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 21: Detroit Lions Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during the joint practice between Houston Texans and Detroit Lions on August 21, 2025 at Detroit Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI (Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Earlier this offseason, the Detroit Lions signed linebacker Jack Campbell to a four-year, $81 million extension. Lions general manager Brad Holmes has publicly expressed an interest in giving three other players from their 2023 NFL Draft class similar extension: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch. But with LaPorta and Branch still rehabbing from injury, it would seem Gibbs is the most likely player to get that new contract next.

After Thursday's OTA practice, Gibbs was asked whether he wanted a contract in place before the 2026 season began. Like most players, he left all the contract talk to his agents and the Lions front office.

Really, I'm just letting my agent, Brad (Holmes) and all them do that right now," Gibbs said. I'm just worried about the team and ball. I'm just trying to hoop right now."

It's been a lucrative offseason for running backs so far. Dolphins running back De'Von Achane signed a four-year, $64 million extension with Miami, and Breece Hall got a three-year, $45.75 million deal with the Jets.

But all eyes are on Gibbs and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Both players were selected in the 2023 draft, just four picks apart (Robinson eighth overall, Gibbs 12th). Both players have lived up to expectations, with Robinson notching two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro nod in three season and Gibbs making the Pro Bowl three times. And both have put up monster numbers thus far.

Robinson: 805 rushes, 3,910 yards, 4.9 YPC, 25 rushing TDs; 198 catches, 1,738 yards, 9 TDs
Gibbs: 675 rushes, 3,580 yards, 5.3 YPC, 39 rushing TDs; 181 catches, 1,449 yards, 10 TDs

The expectation is that both players will reset the running back market this offseason. Gibbs was asked if it was important to be the highest-paid back or if he's following Robinson's contract negotiations, and the 24-year-old Lions back again punted on the question.

I don't really pay attention to all that stuff. Like I said to him, I just want to hoop right now," Gibbs said. I'll let my agent and Brad do all of that, or whoever does it up there, I don't know. I'll just let them do that, and I'll be out here."

Gibbs is expected to take on a bigger role this year, with coach Dan Campbell declaring him the bellcow back this season. But that doesn't change anything for Gibbs; he's as excited for the 2026 season as he is every season.

I'm always excited. I love playing football. It's been what I've been doing it since I was eight," Gibbs said. So, yeah, I'm always excited every year."