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Jahmyr Gibbs Has Honest Response to Contract Questions
Jahmyr Gibbs Has Honest Response to Contract Questions
Richard KnightSat, June 6, 2026 at 11:44 AM UTC·3 min readThe Detroit Lions have made no secret about wanting to keep their young core together.
Earlier this offseason, general manager Brad Holmes rewarded linebacker Jack Campbell with a four-year contract extension. Holmes has also publicly expressed interest in getting deals done with several other members of Detroit’s talented 2023 draft class, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOf those three players, Gibbs appears to be the most likely candidate to receive an extension in the near future.
But if you’re looking for the star running back to provide updates on negotiations, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
Jahmyr Gibbs Is Letting Others Handle the Contract Talks
Following Thursday’s OTA practice in Allen Park, Gibbs was asked whether he would like to have a new contract in place before the start of the 2026 season.
The Pro Bowl running back made it clear that those discussions are not occupying much of his attention.
“Really, I’m just letting my agent, Brad (Holmes) and all them do that right now,” Gibbs said via Pride of Detroit. “I’m just worried about the team and ball. I’m just trying to hoop right now.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s a response that reflects the same team-first mentality Gibbs has consistently displayed since arriving in Detroit.
While contract negotiations often become distractions around the league, the Lions’ star running back appears focused on one thing.
Football.
Could Gibbs Become the NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back?
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Gibbs’ next contract is where it could place him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs.
Many around the league expect both Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson to reset the running back market whenever their extensions are finalized.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat led to another question on Thursday.
Does Gibbs care about becoming the highest-paid running back in football?
Once again, he wasn’t interested in discussing it.
“I don’t really pay attention to all that stuff. Like I said to him, I just want to hoop right now.”
Gibbs reiterated that contract negotiations are being handled by the people responsible for those conversations.
“I’ll let my agent and Brad do all of that, or whoever does it up there, I don’t know. I’ll just let them do that, and I’ll be out here.”
Why a New Deal Feels Inevitable
While Gibbs may not be focused on the financial side of things, the numbers make a compelling case for a new contract.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 24-year-old is coming off a sensational 2025 season in which he totaled 1,839 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns while earning Pro Bowl recognition.
He has developed into one of the NFL’s most dangerous offensive weapons and remains a central piece of Detroit’s long-term plans.
Brad Holmes has repeatedly emphasized the importance of retaining the Lions’ homegrown talent, and Gibbs fits that philosophy perfectly.
The only real question appears to be when a deal gets done.
Lions Star Keeping His Focus on Football
For now, Gibbs isn’t interested in timelines, dollar figures, or market-setting contracts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe is interested in preparing for the 2026 season.
The Lions are counting on him to once again be one of the league’s most explosive playmakers, and based on his comments, that’s where his attention remains.
The negotiations will happen when they happen.
Gibbs just wants to play football.