“I’d Pay Him More” – Jahmyr Gibbs Becoming the Highest-Paid RB in NFL History Puts Social Media Into a Frenzy

Jahmyr Gibbs is the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

“I’d Pay Him More” – Jahmyr Gibbs Becoming the Highest-Paid RB in NFL History Puts Social Media Into a Frenzy

Jahmyr Gibbs (Image via IMAGO)

Jahmyr Gibbs became the latest running back to sign a contract extension. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Gibbs has agreed to sign a three-year extension with the Detroit Lions.

In just three seasons, Gibbs established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2024, he rushed for 1412 yards and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns.

The former Alabama standout rushed for 1223 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in addition to catching 77 passes for 616 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.

In April, the Lions had activated Gibbs’ fifth-year option. Negotiations continued over the next couple of months, and on Thursday, the Lions agreed to a three-year, $75.75 million extension. The contract also includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money. Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in the league.

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Football fans on social media react to Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract extension

It has been an eventful week for the running back market. Teams had waited for the Falcons to pay Bijan Robinson to assess how much they have to pay their respective running backs. Robinson signed a three-year, $75 million extension, followed by the Colts agreeing to a two-year, $44 million contract extension with Jonathan Taylor.

"I'd Pay Him More" - Jahmyr Gibbs Becoming the Highest-Paid RB in NFL History Puts Social Media Into a Frenzy
Jahmyr Gibbs (Image via IMAGO)

Hours later, the Lions paid Gibbs slightly more to make him the highest-paid rusher in the league. A section of fans argued that Gibbs deserved to sign a larger contract.

Despite Gibbs recording a great year, the Lions went 9-8 in the regular season and missed the playoffs. In the offseason, the Lions made the shocking move by breaking up the David Montgomery-Jahmyr Gibbs partnership by allowing DM to join the Texans. This left a big hole in the running back room behind Gibbs. They addressed the situation by signing Super Bowl winner Isiah Pacheco.

After signing with the Lions, Pacheco gave big praise to Gibbs.

Jahmyr is a hell of a player. Hats off to him and the guys who have been putting in work here for a couple years now.

Pacheco said (H/T NBC Sports)

When asked about his role on the team besides the de facto RB2, Pacheco revealed that he would do whatever the coaches instruct him to do.

Me looking from the outside in, it’s a hell of a group, and whatever I can do to contribute to the team is going to happen. Whether that’s punting the ball, whatever it’s at, no matter where I’m at on the field, cheering the guys on, bringing excitement to the team, bringing leadership, accountability.

Pacheco said

The Lions will play three preseason games against the Bengals, Commanders and Colts. They kick off their 2026 campaign by hosting the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field.

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