The clock is ticking for the Detroit Lions to lock down star running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a major payday.

Gibbs turned in yet another standout performance in Week 14 against the Cowboys, continuing a remarkable season in which he has already produced 1,062 rushing yards, 474 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns. He’s also closing in on a historic milestone: one more score would push him past Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns recorded by any Lions player before turning 24.

At this point, Gibbs isn’t just a key piece of Detroit’s offense—he is the engine that makes it run, and one of the top offensive weapons in the entire league. Naturally, a massive contract is coming.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Gibbs sits at the very top of the Lions’ extension priority list. Rapoport noted that Detroit could move to extend him as early as 2026, despite Gibbs still having two team-controlled years left when factoring in the fifth-year option.

“My understanding is that Gibbs is their number one priority. He could become one of the highest-paid backs as early as this offseason,” Rapoport said.

Rapoport also pointed out that Detroit has consistently rewarded its drafted talent, something the current front office has built its reputation on.

From the Lions’ perspective, finalizing a deal sooner rather than later would be smart. Gibbs is on track to reset the running back market, and waiting will only drive his price higher.

Right now, projections suggest a potential four-year contract worth more than $21 million per season. For comparison, Saquon Barkley currently leads all running backs with an average of $20.6 million per year, and Josh Jacobs holds the highest total value at $48 million, per Over the Cap.

If those benchmarks hold, Gibbs could be looking at something in the neighborhood of four years and $84 million—making him the highest-paid running back the league has ever seen.

Given the historic pace he’s on, that kind of deal seems entirely justified.