Jahmyr Gibbs went from the last running back hold-in standing, to suiting up for Thursday’s training camp practice with the Detroit Lions.
Gibbs was on the field during stretching and walk-through portions at the start of practice, his first since camp began last week. But he did not stick around to join the team for position work, detouring to the adjacent field with trainers instead.
According to NFL Network, Gibbs might not be idle much longer as the Lions are believed to be close to an agreement that would make the 24-year-old the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
Based on guaranteed money, the top three running backs in the NFL after a flurry of contract activity this week are Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love, Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Jonathan Taylor (Colts). Love signed his rookie four-year deal worth $53 million to help reset the running back market.
Robinson ($51 million) is now second in guaranteed money and Taylor ($39 million) is third.
Lions GM Brad Holmes said the front office was working diligently to finalize a deal with Gibbs on Wednesday.
“Obviously we love Jahmyr,” Holmes said in a Sirius/XM Radio interview. “Me and Dan (Campbell) have always been believers in that one-two punch. I just think that’s how this league is going now. But, you know, we’re having dialog. We’ll see where it goes.”
Gibbs has perfect attendance at camp. However, he has been only an observer while waiting for the Lions to address his contract status.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Gibbs is due $1.1 million in base salary and a $2 million roster bonus. In April, the team picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract that will pay him a guaranteed $14.29 million in 2027.
Gibbs has racked up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons.
Last season, Gibbs started all 17 games and rushed for 1,223 yards with 13 touchdowns. As a receiver, he set career highs across the board with 77 catches for 616 yards and five scores.
Gibbs was drafted 12th overall by the Lions the same year the Falcons selected Robinson at No. 8.
–Field Level Media
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