The Detroit Lions struck gold when they selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Ever since, Gibbs has been nothing short of spectacular, earning Pro Bowl honors each year and racking up 49 offensive touchdowns. Whether he's tearing it up on the ground or catching passes, Gibbs has established himself as an elite player, and at just 24, the buzz around his potential contract extension is only growing louder.
Players of Gibbs' caliber command top dollar, and the Lions are well aware that securing his future will require a significant investment. ESPN's Adam Schefter highlighted the buzz surrounding the running back market this offseason, noting that Gibbs is poised to cash in alongside other top talents like Bijan Robinson and De'Von Achane. With big deals expected, Gibbs is at the forefront of this financial wave.
Through three seasons, Gibbs has amassed an impressive 5,029 scrimmage yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry, translating to 1,745 scrimmage yards per season. His dual-threat ability as both a running back and receiver only adds to his value.
When it comes to the terms of his potential new deal, a four-year extension seems likely, aligning with recent contracts given to other Lions stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell. Gibbs is expected to surpass current benchmarks set by running backs such as Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, who lead with total value and average annual earnings, respectively.
While the Lions might not completely redefine the market, General Manager Brad Holmes is expected to negotiate a substantial raise for Gibbs. If Gibbs were to receive 115% more per year than Barkley, his contract could reach $23.69 million annually, resulting in a total value of $94.76 million over four years.
As for guaranteed money, reaching $50 million doesn't seem out of the question. Given his production and potential, Gibbs is set to be a cornerstone for Detroit, making this contract extension a crucial step in the Lions' future plans.