The Detroit Lions signed star running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a three-year extension worth up to $75.75 million, with $51.5 million guaranteed, to make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
His contract is set at $67.5 million, but he can make up to $75.75 million with performance incentives, ultimately putting him at the top of the RB contract list.
Gibbs, 24, established himself as one of the elite running backs in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. He ranked fifth in scrimmage yards (1,839) and second in total touchdowns (18) in 2025, a year removed from leading the league in both rushing touchdowns (16) and total touchdowns (20).
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
His signing comes after the Falcons signed Bijan Robinson to an historic three-year, $75 million deal, followed up by the Indianapolis Colts giving All-Pro Jonathan Taylor a two-year, $44 million deal.
Gibbs' signing will have him just above Robinson's $22.25 million per year with an annual salary of $22.5 million.
Heading into the new season, only one running back was making over $20 million a year (Saquon Barkley - $20.6), now there will be four this season.
Gibbs has earned a Pro Bowl selection in each of his three years in the NFL, putting up at least 1,200 rushing yards (5.0 YPC), 500 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns in each of the last two alone.
The Georgia native set an NFL record for the most touchdowns (48) by any player in history through their first three seasons.
Detroit finished with a 9-8 record in 2025, missing out on the playoffs after winning the division in the previous two seasons. They'll open up their 2026 campaign against the New Orleans Saints on September 13th.
