Feb. 20, 2026, 4:09 p.m. ET
After a sensational 2025 season with Detroit, the Lions are reportedly expected to make running back Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid back this offseason as the 2023 first-rounder is up for a much-deserved contract extension and payday.
Gibbs, who is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract, has eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau in each of the past two seasons and rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 scores in 2025.
In 2024, the Lions’ rushing attack set single-season franchise records for rushing touchdowns (29) and games with 100 rushing yards (16), while tying an NFL single-season record by producing 15 games with at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Currently, the highest annually paid running back in the league is Philadelphia Eagles’ star Saquon Barkley, who makes $20.6 million per season.
According to Spotrac, Gibbs is estimated to carry a $20.2 million market value and is predicted to be offered a contract in the ballpark of 6 years for $60,484,512 ($20,161,504 per season).
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While that figure is calculated from league-wide trends and comparable contracts for similarly aged players, the Lions certainly want to reward their electric backfield option with a contract that values his skill set and importance to the franchise’s future.
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