Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is now the highest-paid NFL running back in league history, leapfrogging Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson by a couple of days.
Gibbs agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Lions that could be worth up to $75.75 million and features $51.5 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
That's a lot of cash for the elite running back, but it's more than worth it considering how important Gibbs is to the Lions offense. Is it too much? Is it just right? Let's grade this monster contract and determine the answer!
Breaking: Three-time Pro-Bowl selection Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions reached agreement today on a three-year, $67.5M deal that could be worth up to $75.75M and includes
$51.5M guaranteed, his agent told @AdamSchefter. This makes him the NFL's highest-paid running back. pic.twitter.com/xFX5GjLm8G
— ESPN (@espn) August 6, 2026
The Detroit extend RB Jahmyr Gibbs for three years, $67.5 million that could be worth up to $75.75 million ($51.5 million guaranteed)
The Lions trading away running back David Montgomery put them in a position where it was pay Gibbs or bust. The superstar running back obviously provides so much to the Detroit offense; paying him was just a given.
Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 to go along with 616 yards and five touchdowns in the air last season, making him one of the most productive offensive players in the NFL last fall. With Montgomery gone, those numbers could actually go up as Gibbs gets more touches. While the Lions don't want to wear him out, we imagine this contract will justify expanding Gibbs' role in the offense even more than what it already is.
Robinson's deal basically set the bar for where Detroit had to go to get this done, and it only gave Gibbs a smidge more than Robinson got with Atlanta. With running back Jonathan Taylor also getting his new Indianapolis Colts deal done on Thursday, the running back market officially has its three biggest contract thresholds for the future.
Unlike Atlanta and Indianapolis, Detroit is squarely in Super Bowl-or-bust territory. Getting this deal done in a timely manner was very important to get Gibbs back to practice and comfortable with the new offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Now that the contract is settled, that vital acclimation process can solidify.
When you have a player like Gibbs, you pay him what he's worth and enjoy the benefits on the field. It's a deal that's more than worth what you're getting with Gibbs in the offense. Lions fans should be happy this one is finally settled.
GRADE: A
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Grading Jahmyr Gibbs' record-setting new Lions contract
