Over his first three seasons, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. Perhaps fairly soon this offseason, he's in line to become the highest-paid running back in the league.
Of course the Lions had a top-notch ackfield tandem over the last three years, all to way to having a fun and appropriate nickhame-"Sonic and Knuckles." However, that pairing was broken up this offseason when David Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans.
Isiah Pacheco was signed in free agency to replace Montgomery, and he seems ideal for that vacated role in the Lions' backfield. But in a broad sense, Gibbs is in line for more work and a refurbished offensive line brings potential for a higher level of consistent success this year.
Jahmyr Gibbs leads list of candidates for big-time accomplishment in 2026
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has named five candidates to win the first rushing title of their career in 2026. With a (however convenient) assumption of ranked order, Gibbs was first.
"The Detroit Lions traded David Montgomery and signed Isiah Pacheco, who struggled to stay healthy over the previous three seasons, missing 17 games since 2023.
"In three years with the Lions, Montgomery averaged 12.5 carries per game. Without him, Jahmyr Gibbs could handle a larger share of the rushing workload, especially if Pacheco continues to battle the injury bug."
"Regardless, Gibbs is a far more explosive ball-carrier than Pacheco."
"Over the last two years, Pacheco has averaged fewer than four yards per carry. Gibbs has averaged at least five yards per carry in all three of his seasons. He doesn't need 300 rush attempts to rack up 1,400 yards. In 2024, the three-time Pro Bowler recorded 250 carries for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns."
Moton finished his thoughts about Gibbs by citing one of the years Lions' offensive coordinator Drew Petzing guided a functioning offense with healthy pieces in Arizona.
"As the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator, new Lions play-caller Drew Petzing fielded the fourth-ranked rushing attack with James Conner as his featured tailback in 2023. That year, quarterback Kyler Murray only rushed for 244 yards."
"Petzing can do a lot more with a dynamic running back like Gibbs as his lead ball-carrier."
READ MORE: NFL writer urges fans to buy into Lions' 2026 contention potential
When Montgomery's workload started to noticeably diminish last season, starting in Week 11, Gibbs had a full-season pace of 244 carries over the final eight games. That was actually basically right on what he did for the entirety of last season--243 carries, due to having no more than 15 carries in five of those games.
An easier schedule for the Lions in 2026 brings the idea of an easier commitment to the run game that has been the driving force of their offense. Mix in a path to a clear career-high in carries for Gibbs, and you get an easy formula for a potential rushing title.
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