For months, the perception has existed that the second of the two players between Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson who signed a contract extension this summer would become the new highest-paid running back in the NFL.
It’s now known that Robinson and the Falcons recently agreed to a three-year, $75M extension that included $51M guaranteed. On Wednesday, NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggested that Lions fans shouldn’t assume Gibbs will put pen to paper on an extension soon just because the Falcons got Robinson’s deal done.
Is Bijan Robinson contract “an impediment” regarding Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs situation?
“With the Falcons and running back Bijan Robinson working out a new contract, many assume that the Lions and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will go next — and quickly,” Florio wrote. “And while it’s possible that having Robinson’s terms in place will make it easier for Gibbs, there’s an even better chance (as we understand it) that the Robinson contract will become an impediment.”
In early July, it was revealed that “league executives, coaches and scouts” surveyed by ESPN ranked Robinson the NFL’s best overall ball-carrier, while Gibbs was No. 2. Nevertheless, history shows that Gibbs may want to reset the market for players at the position. The fact that he is holding in and not practicing during training camp would lead one to believe he won’t be offering the Lions much of a discount anytime soon.
Why Jahmyr Gibbs has “leverage” in contract talks with Lions
“Last year, he had 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. He finished third on the team in receiving yards, with 616. Then there’s the fact that the Lions have moved on from David Montgomery. They’ll rely even more on Gibbs in 2026. It gives Gibbs leverage.”
Florio also mentioned that “key seats” within the Lions may become “hot” in 2027 if the club misses the playoffs for a second straight season.
“That gives Gibbs even more leverage,” Florio added.
In short, Gibbs may not have to care all that much that certain people around the league view Robinson as the better overall offensive weapon. Eventually, the Lions may decide to cave and give Gibbs a record deal to get him back on the practice field before the preseason wraps up.
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