The Detroit Lions have officially exercised star running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option ahead of the 2026 NFL season, a move that helps the team manage salary cap space while preparing for several major upcoming extensions involving Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch. Gibbs’ fifth-year option is valued at just over $14 million for the 2027 season, a figure widely considered below market value for a player producing at his level.

However, Detroit understands that a long-term extension for Gibbs will likely be expensive, potentially placing him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL once negotiations are finalized.

While the exact contract structure remains unknown, recent market activity provides a clearer benchmark. The New York Jets recently extended Breece Hall on a deal that elevated him to one of the league’s top-paid running backs.

Hall’s new contract came after a strong 2025 season in which he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and continued his return to form following a serious rookie-year knee injury.
Gibbs is expected to command a similar, if not larger, contract given his production and importance to the Lions’ offense.

Although his fifth-year option has been picked up, that does not prevent ongoing extension talks. Detroit previously followed a similar path with Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams, both of whom received extensions shortly after their options were exercised.

The challenge for the Lions lies in long-term roster planning, as they must also prepare extensions for key young contributors like Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, and Sam LaPorta, all of whom could become free agents in 2027 if no deals are reached.

A potential Gibbs extension in the range of a $15 million average annual value would likely align with Detroit’s salary cap strategy, especially as the team balances major commitments to players like Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, and Alim McNeill.

Overall, Breece Hall’s extension has helped reset the running back market conversation, and Jahmyr Gibbs now appears positioned to become one of the next major financial decisions for the Detroit Lions’ front office.