Lions Signal Gibbs Extension Soon Amid LaPorta Talks

Lions extension – Detroit appears ready to move quickly on a second contract for running back Jahmyr Gibbs after extending linebacker Jack Campbell, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter expecting an agreement for Gibbs this summer. The Lions also remain interested in a long-term deal for

When the Lions turned the page on Jack Campbell’s future, the next name that seems to be moving toward the front of Detroit’s desk is Jahmyr Gibbs.

One year ago, the club was already looking ahead to an extension for Gibbs, who was entering his third professional season. After a standout 2025 campaign, the argument for a second contract is getting louder—especially with Detroit having already addressed a key piece of its defense.

Recently, Detroit extended linebacker Jack Campbell, the player selected six picks after Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 draft. That extension mattered for more than just timing. With the way the NFL values off-ball linebackers and pass-rushing linebackers together. the Lions had no choice but to decline Campbell’s fifth-year option. Without a new deal, that would have made 2026 a platform year—something Detroit avoided.

For Gibbs, the pressure isn’t as immediate because of club control. Detroit did exercise the RB’s fifth-year option, locking him in through the 2027 slate. Theoretically, the Lions could use some sort of tag after that point. But with Campbell’s future handled. ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes Gibbs is next—and he expects an agreement coming this summer.

That matters in a league where the running back market doesn’t sit still. Bijan Robinson of the Falcons is expected to land a more lucrative contract than Gibbs, and Detroit may want to finalize Gibbs’ extension before Robinson adds another data point to the top of the position.

The projection for Gibbs isn’t subtle. As a three-time Pro Bowler. he’s in line for a deal paying him in excess of $15MM per year. which would keep him no lower than third in the NFL’s running back hierarchy. At present, Saquon Barkley ($20.6MM/year), Christian McCaffrey ($19MM), and Derrick Henry ($15MM) lead the way in average annual value.

Gibbs’ production gives Detroit plenty of reason to move. He has found the end zone 49 times in as many games (39 rushing, 10 receiving). He’s also posted a two-time 1. 200-yard rushing season. averaged 5.3 YPC on 675 career attempts. and is coming off a 77-catch season—well beyond the 52 receptions he totaled in each of his first two years.

The Lions’ next contract decisions extend beyond the running back spot. The 2023 draft class also produced tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch. In January, GM Brad Holmes identified all four members of that “high-impact quartet” as priorities. With Campbell’s extension checked off. the focus reportedly shifts toward getting Gibbs’ deal done fairly quickly—and Schefter adds that Detroit still wants a long-term pact with LaPorta.

LaPorta and Branch were not first-round picks, so they were not eligible for a fifth-year option. That means both will be out of contract at the end of the 2026 season unless the Lions work out new agreements before then.

Schefter’s report doesn’t reference Branch at all. Holmes’ January remarks may have suggested the Lions would consider extensions across the board. but it lines up with what was previously heard: the versatile defender probably would not receive an extension this offseason. putting him on track to hit free agency in 2027.

The Lions now look like they’re working through contracts in the order of urgency and leverage—Campbell secured, Gibbs next, and LaPorta still very much on the long-term list—while Detroit counts down to the 2026 deadline for the players who didn’t get the extra fifth-year control.

Detroit Lions Jahmyr Gibbs extension Jack Campbell extension Sam LaPorta contract Adam Schefter NFL running back market 2023 draft Lions Brian Branch free agency