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 preliminary agreement on a three‑year contract that could be worth as much as $75.7 million, roughly £56.3 million. The deal was disclosed by his representation at Athletes First on Thursday, just hours after Gibbs stepped onto the practice field for the first time since Detroit's training camp kicked off.
According to the agency, the agreement features $51.5 million in guaranteed money, about £38.3 million, securing Gibbs financially even if injuries or other setbacks arise. The news arrives in the wake of a brief flurry of activity in the running‑back market, most notably when Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson was momentarily crowned the NFL’s highest‑paid player at his position just two days earlier. While Robinson’s contract was a headline‑grabbing three‑year extension that could climb to $75 million, Gibbs’ pending deal is set to eclipse that figure, cementing his status as the top earner among his peers. Gibbs had been attending meetings and participating in the Lions’ camp schedule, but Thursday marked his inaugural on‑field appearance, a clear signal that negotiations were nearing completion.
As he left the field, Gibbs raised his right arm in a confident gesture and gave a thumbs‑up when asked about the likelihood of a deal, underscoring the optimism shared by both the franchise and his agents. In preparation for the 2025 season, Gibbs also made a notable change to his uniform, swapping his traditional number 26 for the newly introduced number 0. His performance last season justified the lucrative offer: he amassed 1,223 rushing yards and crossed the end zone 13 times on the ground, while also contributing 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Those statistics illustrate a versatile back who can impact the game both as a runner and a pass‑catcher, a dual‑threat skill set that has become increasingly valuable in modern NFL offenses. The Lions are not the only team willing to invest heavily in running talent.
Earlier in the week, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor secured a two‑year contract worth $44 million, reflecting a broader league trend of rewarding elite backs with substantial long‑term deals. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons finalized a three‑year extension with Bijan Robinson, a contract that Spotrac.com reports will run through the 2030 season and could total up to $75 million, with $51 million guaranteed—another record‑setting figure for the position.
Robinson’s agreement includes a series of performance incentives that could push the total compensation to the $75‑million ceiling. Even without meeting those optional targets, the base component of the contract—$66.75 million over three years—would still have made the 24‑year‑old the highest‑paid running back on an annual basis.
The per‑year average of $22.25 million surpasses the previous benchmark set by Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who earned $20.6 million in a single season. Robinson publicly celebrated the deal on social media, sharing the NFL’s Instagram announcement and writing, "God this is for you! Blessings.
Love this team and this city!" His gratitude highlights the personal significance of such a contract, both financially and emotionally, for a player who has worked tirelessly to reach this stage of his career. Gibbs’ impending contract not only reflects his individual achievements but also signals a shift in how franchises value the running back position. Historically, teams have been hesitant to allocate large portions of the salary cap to backs, often favoring quarterbacks, pass‑catchers, and defensive playmakers. However, the success of versatile backs like Gibbs—who can line up in the backfield, catch passes out of the slot, and even line up as a receiver—has prompted a reevaluation of that strategy.
The financial commitment from Detroit underscores the Lions’ belief that Gibbs will be a cornerstone of their offense for years to come. By locking in a substantial guaranteed sum, the organization aims to provide stability for the player while also sending a clear message to the league that they intend to build around his skill set. This move could influence future negotiations for other top backs, potentially raising the market ceiling for the position across the NFL. In summary, Jahmyr Gibbs is poised to become the highest‑paid running back ever in the NFL, with a contract that could reach $75.7 million over three years and includes $51.5 million guaranteed.
His on‑field production, versatility, and the strategic importance placed on him by the Lions all contribute to this historic deal, marking a new era of financial recognition for elite running backs in professional football.