Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions Contract Talks Updated in New NFL Rumors After Taylor, Robinson Deals

The Detroit Lions and star running back Jahmyr Gibbs could make a breakthrough on a new contract as early as this week, according to The Athletic's Jonathan Jones.

A pair of recent extensions have helped to better set Gibbs' market.

The Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson became the NFL's highest-paid running back after getting up to $75 million over three years. ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported Thursday that Jonathan Taylor is signing a two-year, $44 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

Gibbs is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Detroit picked up his $14.3 million option for 2027.

The three-time Pro Bowler has been sending a message by "holding in" during training camp. He's present for practices but not an active participant.

Gibbs was cryptic with reporters earlier this week, saying that "only time will tell" when he's back on the field, and he indicated his status isn't solely contingent on getting a new deal.

A big payday will presumably go a long way toward changing his mind.

Lions coach Dan Campbell stated the obvious when he told reporters that Robinson's extension is "not gonna hurt" as it related to Gibbs.

"Every day that goes by, that's another day that you feel like you miss with him and getting him out there with the guys and him doing his part," Campbell said. "But there again, it'll get done when it gets done."

For his part, general manager Brad Holmes said negotiations are ongoing:

Detroit has a lot of long-term commitments on the books already, a consequence of drafting so well in recent years. Five players are set to earn salaries north of $20 million in 2028.

Thanks to Robinson and Taylor, the Lions know that $22 million is the minimum bar to clear in order to meet Gibbs' valuation. As much as that will further limit their cap flexibility moving forward, there isn't much alternative.

Gibbs has firmly established himself as an elite running back, and the organization can ill afford to alienate a player who's so critical to the offense.