The Detroit Lions are approaching an unavoidable financial crossroads with Jahmyr Gibbs, as the star running back is on track for a massive second contract that could exceed $80 million.
A natural consequence of drafting well in the NFL is having multiple players become eligible for expensive second deals. The Lions are now in that exact position after hitting big on recent draft classes.
Detroit has already committed major money to players such as Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kerby Joseph. However, more decisions are coming as the standout 2023 draft class inches closer to contract negotiations.
Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, and Campbell All Due for Paydays
Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell have all proven worthy of extensions at or near the top of their respective markets. That reality raises an important question: can the Lions afford to pay everyone?
Injuries added complexity to the discussion in 2025.
Sam LaPorta suffered a season-ending back injury that required surgery.
Brian Branch tore his Achilles late in the season.
The Lions can delay extension talks for Gibbs and Campbell by exercising their fifth-year options for the 2027 season, similar to how they handled Sewell and Hutchinson. Still, a long-term deal for Gibbs appears inevitable.
Jahmyr Gibbs Set to Reset the Running Back Market
ESPN insider Dan Graziano recently analyzed upcoming contract extension candidates for several teams, including the Lions. Among Detroit’s core players, Gibbs stands out as the most expensive decision.
“Gibbs has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns per season over his first three NFL years,” Graziano wrote. “With Saquon Barkley now making $20.6 million per year, Gibbs will likely aim to surpass that figure, while the Lions try to keep the number under $20 million.”
Graziano projected that the Lions will ultimately extend all four players — Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta, and Branch — with Gibbs receiving the largest deal.
Predicted Contract: Four Years, $80 Million
Graziano’s prediction for Gibbs:
Four years, $80 million with $30 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Such a deal would:
Make Gibbs one of the highest-paid running backs in NFL history
Place his $20 million annual average just below Barkley’s $20.6 million
Rank him among the youngest elite earners at the position
Gibbs will turn 24 years old in March, which strengthens his case to surpass Barkley’s contract based on age, production, and durability.
Lions Likely to Pay Despite Running Back Risk
Second contracts for running backs always carry risk due to the physical nature and shorter lifespan of the position. However, Gibbs has already proven he is more than a traditional runner, excelling as both a rusher and receiver in Detroit’s offense.
The Lions also have flexibility to structure the deal in a cap-friendly way, limiting short-term salary cap impact while securing Gibbs long-term.
Conclusion
An $80-plus million extension for Jahmyr Gibbs feels inevitable for the Detroit Lions. While paying a running back top dollar is rarely easy, Gibbs has earned his place among the league’s elite at the position.
Whether the final numbers slightly top or fall just short of Saquon Barkley’s contract, Detroit’s commitment to Gibbs appears to be only a matter of time.
