Jahmyr Gibbs is on the verge of becoming the highest‑paid 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 terms of the deal were disclosed by Gibbs' representation firm, Athletes First, on Thursday, just hours after the young star stepped onto the practice field for the first time since the Lions kicked off their training camp. According to the agency, the contract includes $51.5 million (£38.3 million) in guaranteed money, a figure that sets a new benchmark for running backs at the professional level.
The news arrives in the wake of a brief flurry of activity in the running‑back market earlier in the week, when Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson was momentarily crowned the NFL’s highest‑paid player at his position. Robinson’s own extension, announced a few days prior, also pushed the financial ceiling for the role, but Gibbs’ pending deal is poised to eclipse it. Gibbs had been attending meetings and participating in off‑field activities at the Lions’ camp, but Thursday marked his first on‑field appearance, a visual cue that the negotiations were nearing completion. As he left the practice field, Gibbs raised his right arm in a confident gesture and gave a thumbs‑up when asked whether a contract was imminent, suggesting that both the organization and his agents were on the same page.
In addition to the new contract, Gibbs made a symbolic change by swapping his jersey number from 26 to 0 ahead of the 2025 season, a move that reflects both personal branding considerations and a desire to make a fresh statement. In his rookie campaign, Gibbs amassed 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, while also contributing 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns. Those numbers underscore his dual‑threat capability as both a runner and a pass‑catcher, qualities that have become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL offenses. The Lions are not the only team making headlines with lucrative running‑back contracts.
Earlier on Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts secured running back Jonathan Taylor with a two‑year, $44 million agreement, further illustrating the league’s willingness to invest heavily in the position despite a broader trend toward passing‑oriented schemes. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons finalized a three‑year extension with Bijan Robinson 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 compensation for a running back.
Robinson’s deal contains a series of performance incentives that could push the total value to the full $75 million, but even the base figure of $66.75 million (£49.6 million) would have already made the 24‑year‑old the highest‑earning running back on an annual basis. The base salary translates to roughly $22.25 million (£16.5 million) per year, surpassing the previous record of $20.6 million (£15.3 million) set by Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Robinson publicly celebrated his new contract on social media, reposting the NFL’s official Instagram announcement and adding a heartfelt caption: "God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!" His gratitude highlights the personal significance of such a milestone, not just the financial aspect.
The escalation of running‑back salaries, exemplified by Gibbs, Robinson, and Taylor, reflects a shifting perception of the position’s value. Historically, running backs were often viewed as interchangeable and subject to rapid wear and tear, leading teams to favor short‑term, cost‑controlled contracts.
However, the modern game increasingly relies on versatile backs who can line up in the slot, catch passes, and act as decoys in complex offensive schemes. Players like Gibbs, who can accumulate over a thousand rushing yards while also serving as a reliable receiving option, embody the new prototype that teams are eager to lock down for the long term. From a financial standpoint, the guaranteed portions of these contracts are particularly noteworthy.
Guarantees protect players against injury and performance decline, providing a safety net that was once rare for running backs. The $51.5 million guarantee in Gibbs’ deal, for instance, ensures that even if his production wanes or he suffers a significant injury, he will still receive a substantial portion of the contract’s total value. This trend signals a broader shift in how NFL franchises structure deals, emphasizing security for players while still managing salary‑cap implications. The impact of these contracts extends beyond the individual athletes.
For the Detroit Lions, securing Gibbs to a record‑setting deal signals a commitment to building around a dynamic offensive weapon. It also serves as a statement to fans and the broader league that Detroit is willing to invest heavily in talent that can elevate the team’s competitiveness. Similarly, the Falcons’ dedication to Robinson underscores Atlanta’s belief that a top‑tier, multi‑dimensional back can be a cornerstone of their offensive identity for years to come.
In summary, Jahmyr Gibbs is poised to rewrite the financial history books for NFL running backs with a contract that could total $75.7 million over three years, including $51.5 million guaranteed. This agreement, announced by Athletes First, follows closely on the heels of Bijan Robinson’s own groundbreaking extension and joins a growing list of high‑value deals for the position, such as Jonathan Taylor’s recent $44 million pact with the Colts. These contracts reflect a changing league mindset that values versatility, durability, and the unique skill sets that modern running backs bring to the field, while also providing players with unprecedented financial security.