One yr ago (almost to the day), we noted the Lions were already waiting for an extension for running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was entering his third skilled season. After a standout 2025 campaign, the time for Gibbs’ second contract might be approaching.
Detroit recently prolonged linebacker Jack Campbell, who was chosen six picks after Gibbs in the primary round of the 2023 draft. On condition that the NFL continues to group off-ball LBs and pass-rushing LBs together for valuation purposes, the Lions had no selection but to say no Campbell’s fifth-year option, which might have made 2026 a platform yr if not for the brand new deal.
By way of club control, there will not be as much urgency for the Lions to increase Gibbs. Because they did exercise the RB’s fifth-year option, he’s locked in through the 2027 slate, and Detroit theoretically could utilize some type of tag after that. Nonetheless, with Campbell’s future now addressed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter thinks Gibbs is next in line. In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show (video link), Schefter expressed his belief that an agreement shall be coming this summer.
Regardless that Falcons RB Bijan Robinson is predicted to land a more lucrative contract than Gibbs, the Lions will probably want to beat Atlanta to the punch and finalize a Gibbs extension before Robinson adds one other data point to the highest of the RB market. Regardless of Robinson’s status, Detroit’s three–time Pro Bowler is in line to attain a deal paying him in excess of $15MM per yr, which might place him no lower than third within the NFL’s running back hierarchy. At present, Saquon Barkley ($20.6MM/yr), Christian McCaffrey ($19MM), and Derrick Henry ($15MM) paved the way when it comes to average annual value.
And Gibbs has definitely earned a giant payday. The twin-threat has found the tip zone a whopping 49 times (39 rushing, 10 receiving) in as many games. A two-time 1,200-yard rusher, Gibbs has averaged a strong 5.3 YPC on 675 profession attempts. The 24-year-old can also be fresh off a 77-catch season, easily surpassing the respectable 52 he totaled in each of his first two years.
Along with Gibbs and Campbell, the 2023 draft also produced tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch. In January, GM Brad Holmes identified all 4 members of that high-impact quartet as priorities. Holmes has checked Campbell’s extension off his to-do list, and it seems that Gibbs’ deal might be done in fairly short order. Similarly, Schefter says Detroit still desires to work out a long-term pact with LaPorta.
Because LaPorta and Branch weren’t first-round picks, they weren’t eligible for a fifth-year option. As such, they shall be out of contract at the tip of the ‘26 season unless a brand new pact is worked out before then.
While it might not mean anything, Schefter doesn’t reference Branch in his report. Holmes’ January remarks notwithstanding, we heard the versatile defender probably wouldn’t receive an extension this offseason, so he could also be more likely than his draftmates to hit free agency in 2027.