Jahmyr Gibbs is going to get paid quite a lot of money from the Detroit Lions very, very soon.
We just don't know the exact date or time of that pay day. However, with Gibbs' return to practice as reported on by numerous Lions beat reporters on the ground at training camp, it's hard not to wonder if that deal is coming in the next few days, if not today.
Gibbs has been holding in for the last week or so since the Lions began training camp, awaiting a deal that could make him the highest-paid running back in the league, and highest-paid running back ever. His extension could immediately out-do Bijan Robinson's recent deal with the Atlanta Falcons, although, it doesn't seem like either star back would mind it all that much.
Gibbs' return to training camp a great sign for Lions' extension talks
While Gibbs is at camp, he's reportedly working out on the sideline as opposed to participating in team drills or reps. That's probably because it would be silly to throw him into first team reps immediately upon returning to camp after sitting for a week. A slow ramp up back to action makes the most sense for Gibbs and the Lions to prevent injury here.
This is the kind of extension that feels like it should've been done a while ago. It's a no-brainer to pay the engine to your offense, especially after you traded away the only other player that could've helped to balance his workload efficiently. It's fair to expect a hold-in from Gibbs, who at just 24 years old might be the best running back in the NFL right now.
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Adding some insult to injury for Gibbs, the Indianapolis Colts recently extended their star running back, Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, is locked down with a two-year, $44 million dollar deal with $39 million guaranteed. That's a nice deal for Taylor, who has been electric for the Colts since getting drafted in 2020.
It's really just Gibbs that we're waiting to get an announcement on now. A return to practice could mean that both sides are coming to the end of their negotiations, and Gibbs is pleased enough that he's willing to begin work with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Why rejoin training camp if you don't have a deal near completion?
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