Recent years have seen the Lions work out several big-ticket extensions with their core players. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs could be the next in line to receive a notable payday. 
As a 2023 draftee, Gibbs will first be eligible for an extension this coming offseason. Having been a first-round pick, he is a candidate for a fifth-year option covering the 2027 campaign. The Lions will need to make a decision on that front during the spring, but it would of course come as no surprise if they opted to exercise the option.
Likewise, the team can be expected to pursue an extension in the near future. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes (video link) Detroit is likely to make Gibbs an early priority for a long-term pact, meaning one could be worked out early in the offseason. Per Rapoport, the running back market will likely shift once Gibbs has his second contract in hand.
That report is certainly no surprise. Gibbs – along with draft classmate Bijan Robinson – has played his way into a major raise on his next deal. At least one member of that tandem could very well surpass Saquon Barkley as the league’s highest earner at the RB position. Barkley’s Eagles deal averages $20.6MM per year, and three other backs are attached to an AAV of at least $14MM.
At the age of 23, Gibbs will be expected to remain one of the league’s top producers at the running back spot for years to come. The Alabama product has increasingly become a focal point of the Lions’ offense, finding success on the ground and through the air. Gibbs tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns last season (16), and he has already reached 1,000 yards and double-digit scores with five games remaining in the season.
The Lions have made massive investments on offense with extensions for the likes of quarterback Jared Goff, wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell. Running back David Montgomery – with Detroit for each of Gibbs’ three seasons to date – is under contract through 2027. It will be interesting to see how much the Lions are prepared to spend in their backfield provided Montgomery remains productive in his role.
For now, Detroit’s attention will be on reaching the playoffs. The 7-5 team has endured an up-and-down season in 2025, the first since former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson‘s departure. Gibbs – who is averaging career highs in both yards per carry (5.8) and receptions per game (4.3) this year – will no doubt continue to operate as a central figure down the stretch. Provided he continues to produce at a high level, a long-term deal could await him shortly thereafter.
One of the few runners in the league that are worth the money. When I watch games now I unfairly judge it against how Gibbs would have made that play. His one step top speed is the best I’ve ever seen. And that’s just from a running perspective. He can run the whole route tree has reliable hands and he can block in passing downs too. He’s the best rb in the league for my money right now.
Remember when I said the Lions were stupid for drafting Gibbs with the 12th pick in the draft? Well I do. And I was wrong weren’t I? LOL