Lions Make Former Alabama Star Jahmyr Gibbs the Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions have made a monumental investment in their offensive future, agreeing to a three-year contract extension with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs that makes him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history .
The deal, finalized on Thursday, is worth $67.5 million with a maximum value of $75.75 million, averaging $22.5 million per year, and includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money . This milestone contract comes just two days after Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson briefly held the title, and hours after the Indianapolis Colts finalized a deal with Jonathan Taylor .
The Record-Breaking Deal
Gibbs’ new contract surpasses the extension Robinson signed with the Falcons earlier this week, which was for three years and $66.75 million . The $22.5 million average annual value tops Robinson’s $22.25 million, while the $51.5 million in guaranteed money also edges out Robinson’s $51 million .
The extension keeps the 24-year-old Gibbs under contract in Detroit through the 2030 season . His agent, Todd France of Athletes First, announced the deal on social media, confirming that Gibbs now holds the highest average annual value and the highest guarantee ever for a running back .
Gibbs had been participating in team meetings during training camp but had been holding in—present as a spectator—while waiting for his new deal . On Thursday, he was in uniform for the first time, offering a thumbs-up when asked if an agreement was close .
A Historic Start to an NFL Career
The contract validates what the Lions saw when they selected Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft—a pick that drew significant criticism at the time given the league’s trend of devaluing the running back position . Three years later, the decision looks nothing short of brilliant.
Since entering the league, Gibbs has become one of the most productive offensive players in NFL history . His 49 career touchdowns are the most for any player through their first three seasons, surpassing the previous mark of 47 held by Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders . He has rushed for 3,580 yards on 675 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and has added 1,449 receiving yards on 181 catches .
Gibbs has been named to the Pro Bowl in all three of his NFL seasons . He ranks seventh in the NFL in rushing since 2023 and is one of only 19 players in NFL history to post at least 3,500 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards to start a career .
The 2025 Season That Sealed the Deal
In 2025, Gibbs delivered his most complete season yet, rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding career highs of 77 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdown catches . He finished fifth in the league with 1,839 yards from scrimmage and second in total touchdowns with 18 .
His production came despite splitting carries with David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans in March . With Montgomery now gone, Gibbs is expected to see his workload increase significantly in 2026 .
The Alabama Connection
Gibbs spent just one season at Alabama, but it was enough to cement his legacy as a Crimson Tide great . In 2022, he led Alabama’s ground attack with 151 carries for 926 yards and seven touchdowns while also leading the team in receptions with 44 for 444 yards and three scores . He also contributed on special teams with 13 returns for 258 yards .
His production in Tuscaloosa skyrocketed his draft stock and made him the first Alabama running back selected in the first round since Josh Jacobs in 2019 . Three seasons into his NFL career, Gibbs has already broken into the top 10 of Alabama’s NFL rushers, with his 3,580 career yards placing him ninth on the list .
“He has more rushing yards three seasons into his NFL career than any other Crimson Tide alumnus has had,” noted a recent report on Alabama’s NFL rushers .
A Changing Market for Running Backs
Gibbs’ deal represents a seismic shift in the running back market, which had seen the position’s financial value depressed in recent years . The contract makes him the fourth running back to eclipse $20 million per year, joining Robinson ($22.25M), Taylor ($22M), and Saquon Barkley ($20.6M) .
The Lions’ willingness to make such a significant investment speaks to Gibbs’ unique value as a dual-threat weapon who impacts the game as both a runner and receiver . His 5-foot-9, 202-pound frame belies his power and elusiveness, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses .
Looking Ahead
With Gibbs locked in through 2030, the Lions have secured the services of one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive players for the foreseeable future. The extension comes as Detroit continues to build around a young, explosive offense that has made the Lions a perennial contender in the NFC.
Gibbs’ journey from Dalton High School in Georgia—where he rushed for 2,554 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior—to Alabama, and now to the pinnacle of the NFL’s running back market, is a testament to his relentless work ethic and undeniable talent .
As Gibbs reported to training camp in uniform on Thursday, the weight of his new contract was clear. The Lions have placed their faith in the former Alabama star, and if his first three seasons are any indication, that faith will be richly rewarded.
“All he’s done since entering the league is validate the selection,” one report noted, summarizing the sentiment shared by Lions fans and front office alike .
For Gibbs, the record-setting contract is just the beginning of what promises to be a legendary career in the Motor City.
