Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 5
Lions Negotiate With Jahmyr Gibbs as Bijan Robinson's $22.25 Million Deal Resets RB Market
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 5

Lions Negotiate With Jahmyr Gibbs as Bijan Robinson's $22.25 Million Deal Resets RB Market

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 5

Summary

  • $22.25 million per year for Bijan Robinson has become the key reference point in Detroit's talks with Jahmyr Gibbs, with the Lions expected to argue the new running-back market has already been set.
  • Gibbs can press for more by pointing to his production: 1,929 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns in 2025 after 1,839 yards and 18 scores the year before, plus 616 receiving yards.
  • Detroit's leverage is weakened by roster and performance pressure, with David Montgomery gone, Gibbs set for a bigger 2026 role, and the Lions coming off a fourth-place NFC North finish and another missed playoff berth.
  • At 24 and already a three-time Pro Bowler, Gibbs is approaching what the report frames as his best chance to force an outlier payday before the regular season clock pushes both sides toward a deal.

Insights

Is Jahmyr Gibbs being paid as a running back, or as the kind of dual-threat weapon changing NFL contract logic?
With David Montgomery gone and pressure rising in Detroit, how much leverage does Jahmyr Gibbs really have before Week 1?