Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs Gets High Praise from NFL Exec, 'No One Like Him With the Ball in His Hands'

One NFL coordinator believes Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs stands alone among his current peers.

"Your eyes tell you there's no one like him with the ball in his hands," the coach said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He plays with better pace because of his vision, and then the gear is different. You see him blow by guys with angles. And he's elite in the passing game."

The remarks came as part of Fowler's annual positional rankings. Gibbs was second behind only the Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson, one spot higher than on the 2025 list.

The three-time Pro Bowler totaled 1,839 yards from scrimmage a season ago. He ran for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 77 passes for 616 yards and five scores.

Now, Gibbs is approaching what could be his biggest year yet. Detroit traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, which makes him the clear No. 1 option in the backfield.

The Lions won't want to overwork Gibbs, so Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki will get their touches. But there's unlikely going to be the kind of time share Detroit had with Montgomery and Gibbs splitting reps.

That's potentially great news for the 2023 first-round pick, who's eligible for free agency in 2028. Should his production climb even higher, he'll have a stronger hand when it's time to negotiate an extension.

Conversely, Gibbs' leverage will lessen if his performance is inversely correlated to shouldering a larger role.

One way or the other, the 2026 season should provide definitive proof as to his status as an elite offensive weapon.