Jahmyr Gibbs is on the verge of becoming the most highly compensated running back in the history of the National Football League after reaching a three‑year agreement that could be worth as much as $75.7 million, roughly £56.3 million, with the Detroit Lions. The contract details were made public by his representation firm, Athletes First, on Thursday, just hours after Gibbs stepped onto the practice field for the first time since the Lions commenced their training camp. According to the agency, the deal guarantees $51.5 million (£38.3 million) for the Pro Bowl selection, underscoring the Lions' confidence in his abilities and the premium they are willing to pay for his services. The news arrives in the wake of a brief period when Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson appeared to claim the title of the league's highest‑paid running back.
Robinson’s contract, which was announced only two days earlier, had set a new benchmark before Gibbs’ deal eclipsed it. This rapid succession of record‑setting agreements highlights a broader trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in elite backs who can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game. Prior to the official announcement, Gibbs had been attending meetings and participating in the Lions’ camp activities, but Thursday marked his first on‑field appearance.
The timing suggested that the negotiations were in their final stages. As he exited the practice field, Gibbs raised his right arm in a confident gesture and gave a thumbs‑up when asked whether an agreement was imminent, a visual cue that the two parties were close to sealing the deal. In preparation for the upcoming 2025 season, Gibbs also made a notable change to his uniform, swapping his jersey number from 26 to the newly introduced number 0.
His performance last season justified the lucrative contract: he amassed 1,223 rushing yards and found the end zone 13 times on the ground, while also contributing 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns. These dual‑threat numbers illustrate why the Lions view him as a cornerstone of their offense moving forward. The Lions are not the only franchise making big moves at the running back position.
Earlier on Thursday, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor secured a two‑year, $44 million contract, further demonstrating the premium placed on top‑tier backs. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the Falcons extended Bijan Robinson’s deal with a three‑year extension that, according to Spotrac.com, runs through the 2030 season and could reach a total of $75 million (£55 million). Of that amount, $51 million (£37 million) is guaranteed, establishing a new record for guaranteed money at the running back spot.
Robinson’s contract includes a series of performance incentives that could push the total earnings to the full $75 million figure. Even without meeting those optional bonuses, the base value of the three‑year deal—$66.75 million (£49.6 million)—would have already positioned him as the highest‑paid running back on an annual basis. The guaranteed portion translates to roughly $22.25 million (£16.5 million) per year, surpassing the previous record of $20.6 million (£15.3 million) held by Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robinson publicly celebrated the extension on social media, reposting the NFL’s Instagram announcement with a heartfelt caption that read, "God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!" His gratitude underscores the personal significance of the contract and the mutual commitment between player and organization. The back‑to‑back contracts for Gibbs and Robinson reflect a shifting valuation of the running back position.
Historically, running backs were often viewed as replaceable after a few seasons of wear and tear, leading teams to exercise caution in long‑term financial commitments. However, the emergence of versatile backs who can excel in both rushing and receiving roles has altered that calculus. Teams now recognize that a dynamic back can be a focal point of the offense, opening up play‑calling possibilities and forcing defenses to allocate additional resources to contain them. For the Lions, locking in Gibbs not only secures a proven performer but also sends a clear message to the league and the Detroit fan base that the organization is serious about building a competitive, high‑scoring unit.
The guaranteed money component of $51.5 million provides Gibbs with financial security while also motivating him to live up to the expectations that come with such a historic payday. Looking ahead, the upcoming season will be a proving ground for both Gibbs and Robinson as they aim to justify their record contracts on the field. Their performances will be closely scrutinized by analysts, fans, and fellow players alike, as the outcomes could influence future contract negotiations for running backs across the league. If they succeed, it may usher in a new era where elite backs command salaries that rival those of premier quarterbacks and wide receivers, reshaping the financial landscape of the NFL.