ESPN ranked Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs' deal as the fifth-best recent NFL contract extension. Gibbs landed just behind Atlanta Falcons rusher Bijan Robinson (No. 3) and just ahead of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (No. 7). The trio were the only running backs featured on the list. After a short hold-in to begin training camp, Detroit signed Gibbs to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension, with $51.5 million guaranteed. Incentives boost the potential value of the agreement to $75.75 million. The 24-year-old is young, elite, and unusually valuable as a pass catcher out of the backfield. This combination of traits makes him a rare, premium investment at the position. Like Gibbs, Robinson features that unique combination of run and catch traits. The former Texas Longhorn ranked No. 1 in total scrimmage yards and earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 2025. For the Lions, Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards on 243 carries last season, averaging 5.0 yards-per-carry and scoring 13 touchdowns. His Pro Football Focus overall grade of 85.6 was fifth-best among qualified backs. Taylor led the league in both rushing touchdowns (18) and total carries (323). The price of each contract, overall roster construction philosophy, salary cap restrictions, and contention timeline were all factors in where each player fell on this ladder. Generally praising the contract, ESPN NFL writer Seth Walder delivered leveled skepticism about the broader idea of paying running backs top dollar. While Gibbs' contract represents top-of-market money today, marquee runners occupied a much larger portion of the overall cap in previous eras. Walder had this to say of Gibbs' extension:
Gibbs' numbers last season weren't quite as good as Robinson's (168 rush yards over expected to Robinson's 249, and 126 receiving yards over expected to Robinson's 201, per NFL Next Gen Stats), but I think these are the best two running backs in the NFL. While this is top-of-the-market money for a running back today, it's less than what running backs were paid in the past. For example, in 2015, Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch signed deals that were worth the equivalent of $29.4 million and $25.2 million per year, respectively, in 2026's cap environment. Gibbs ranks fifth on this list, but the gap between No. 3 -- where Robinson landed -- and No. 5 in these rankings is small.
ESPN's 10 most interesting recent NFL contract extensions
No. 1: Brian O'Neil, OT, Minnesota Vikings (Four years, $96 million) No. 2: Darnell Wright, OT, Chicago Bears (Four years, $116 million) No. 3: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (Three years, $66.75 million) No. 4: Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints (Four years, $124 million) No. 5: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (Three years, $67.5 million) No. 6: Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens (Four years, $140 million) No. 7: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts (Two years, $44 million) No. 8: Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (Four years, $152 million) No. 9: Denzel Ward, CB, Cleveland Browns (Two years, $62.2 million) No. 10: Matthew Bergeron, G, Atlanta Falcons (Four years, $96 million)
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