With Jahmyr Gibbs eligible to sign an extension, the Detroit Lions face a timing challenge as both Gibbs and Bijan Robinson become extension candidates. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says a deal could reset the running back market—potentially around $20 million per yea
By the time the Detroit Lions reach training camp, they may have to decide how fast they want to act—because the market for elite running backs is starting to take shape, and Jahmyr Gibbs is at the center of it.
Gibbs is among the best at his position, and because he is eligible to sign an extension now, the Lions have an incentive to push for a deal sooner rather than later. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler framed the moment as an opportunity to reshape what NFL running backs can command.
“Gibbs is in position to reset the running back market in a big way,” Fowler said. “Think $20 million per year or over because the Lions have expressed interest in doing a deal with Gibbs. There isn’t a lot of progress here yet. You have the next couple months leading into training camp to try to hash this out.”.
That two-month window matters because the Lions aren’t dealing with just one contract decision across the league. Fowler pointed directly to the presence of Bijan Robinson, who is also eligible for an extension. That creates a kind of pay-delay chess game: Gibbs can either press now or wait to see whether Robinson moves first.
“But because of the looming presence of Bijan Robinson, too, who’s also eligible for an extension, Gibbs is in a position where if he wants to wait for Robinson to go first, he can do that,” Fowler said. “So, it’s a little bit of a game of chess between those two top running backs.”
Detroit has already leaned into major commitments at key positions in recent years. and the list of big deals underscores how serious the organization has been about its core: Jared Goff signed a four-year. $212 million contract; Aidan Hutchinson. four years for $180 million; Amon-Ra St. Brown. four years for $120 million; Penei Sewell. four years for $112 million; Alim McNeil. four years for $97 million; Kerby Joseph. four years for $86 million; Jack Campbell. four years for $81 million; and Jameson Williams. three years for $80 million.
Gibbs’ case is grounded in production. Over his first three seasons. he has totaled 3. 580 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground. along with 181 catches. 1. 449 yards. and 10 touchdowns through the air. Fowler also noted where Gibbs has ranked among the league’s most impactful backs: he ranked fifth in yards from scrimmage last season and third in 2024.
Because he can do so much from the backfield, Gibbs’ value could push the position to new territory. Fowler suggested there are people around the league who view him as the No. 1 running back option compared with Robinson.
“There are some I’ve talked to around the league who believe Gibbs is the very best running back over Robinson in the entire NFL,” Fowler added. “So, he’s going to get a major contract. They want to do it, just not a lot of progress yet. It’s going to take some time.”
For the Lions, the immediate question isn’t whether Gibbs is worth it—it’s how the negotiations unfold before the start of training camp and how much leverage both sides feel as the market potentially resets.
If a deal lands around Fowler’s estimate—“$20 million per year or over”—it could turn Gibbs not just into Detroit’s next big contract. but into the benchmark for what teams are willing to pay at the position. But for now. Fowler’s assessment is clear: the desire is there. the progress is limited. and the next couple months will determine whether the clock forces a breakthrough—or delays one more round.
Detroit Lions Jahmyr Gibbs contract extension Bijan Robinson NFL running back market training camp Jared Goff Aidan Hutchinson Amon-Ra St. Brown Penei Sewell