Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history by average annual value.
The deal, first reported by ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter on X and confirmed by Gibbs’ agent Todd France, includes $51.5 million guaranteed and can reach a maximum value of $75.75 million.
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Extensions handed out by the Lions:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2026
🏈Jahmyr Gibbs: 3-years, $67.5M
🏈Aidan Hutchinson: 4 years, $180M
🏈Jack Campbell: 4-years, $81M
🏈Jared Goff: 4 years, $212M
🏈Amon-Ra St. Brown: 4 years, $120.01M
🏈Penei Sewell: 4 years, $112M
🏈Jameson Williams: 3 years, $80M
🏈Kerby… https://t.co/XXBWMOm11d
Gibbs’ contract averages $22.5 million per season, surpassing the league’s previous top running back salaries.
The deal puts him ahead of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ($22.25 million), Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ($22 million) and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million).
Jahmyr Gibbs is now the highest paid RB in NFL history.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2026
The #Lions star gets a 3-year, $75.75M deal with $51.5M guaranteed — the highest APY and the highest guarantee ever for a RB. The deal is confirmed by his agent Todd France of @AthletesFirst on IG (Toddfrance_). pic.twitter.com/Atw3g3ZFno
The agreement comes during a changing landscape for NFL running backs.
Before this offseason, only one player at the position had reached the $20 million-per-year mark.
Now, Gibbs, Robinson and Taylor have all joined that group.
Gibbs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players since Detroit selected him No. 12 overall in the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.
In his first two seasons with the Lions, Gibbs became a key piece of Detroit’s offense, using his speed, receiving ability and versatility to create mismatches for opposing defenses.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Gibbs has been participating in team meetings during training camp, but Thursday (Aug. 5) marked his first day back on the practice field.
Gibbs had a breakout 2025 season, rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
The new contract keeps one of Detroit’s most important offensive weapons under contract as the Lions continue building around a young core that has helped establish the team as a consistent playoff contender.
Gibbs’ deal also reflects the growing value of versatile running backs who can impact the game as both runners and receivers.