The Detroit Lions have made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
Gibbs signed a new three-year deal with Dan Campbell’s team on Thursday. It is worth $75.75 million, of which $51.5m is fully guaranteed.
That is both the highest annual figure and highest guarantee ever given to a player in Gibbs’ position.
The contract comes just days after the big-spending Atlanta Falcons briefly made Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history. His deal is worth up to $75m and includes $51m guaranteed as well as a $37m signing bonus.
Gibbs was back on the field Thursday for the first time since Lions training camp started a week ago. The Pro Bowler participated in the early walk-through session and team stretching period before moving to the sideline to work with trainers.
It was not a full practice, but it was a start as Gibbs and the Lions closed in on their deal to finalize a contract extension. He did not speak to the media when walking off the field after practice, but he held his right arm high and gave a thumbs up when asked if a deal was close.
The Detroit Lions have made Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history
Gibbs, entering his fourth season, has been at camp participating in meetings, but Thursday was his first day on the field.
He rushed for 1,223 yards with 13 touchdowns and had 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores in 2025.
‘He’s one of our best players. We always want him out there, but I know he’s going to be ready when the moment comes,’ offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said before practice. ‘I’m not concerned about it.’
Earlier on Thursday, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor got his wish of a mega-money new deal.
A little more than a week after reiterating he wanted to stay with Indy for the rest of his career, Taylor took a big step toward fulfilling that pledge by signing a two-year, $44m contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Most importantly, the move keeps the 2021 NFL rushing leader off the free agent market next spring. Taylor never doubted the deal would get done before Indy’s season opener September 13 against Baltimore.
Prior to this week’s contract blitz, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley had been the NFL’s top-paid running back with an average annual salary of around $20m.
More to follow.
