After the first domino in the running back market fell in the form of Bijan Robinson’s then-record-setting extension on Tuesday, it was only a matter of time before another followed.
With the Detroit Lions and running back Jahmyr Gibbs reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $75.75 million extension, it makes him the new highest-paid running back in history. The deal was reported by NFL Network and ESPN’s Ian Rapoport on Thursday and reportedly includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money.
When training camp opened across the league, both Gibbs and Robinson sat out of practices as they awaited long-term deals ahead of their respective Year 4s. Now, both are locked up with their teams, with Colts RB Jonathan Taylor joining the festivities with a two-year extension of his own signed on Thursday morning.
Saquon Barkley entered the off-season as the lone tailback with an annual average value over $20 million. But, in quick succession, Robinson, Taylor and now Gibbs have joined him above that mark.
Across 49 regular-season games in three seasons, Gibbs has rushed for 3,580 yards and 39 touchdowns, adding a further 1,449 yards and 10 scores through the air. Following fellow RB David Montgomery’s off-season trade to the Houston Texans, the expectation was for Gibbs to establish himself as a superstar.
After Thursday’s agreement, he’s now paid like one.