The Detroit Lions have one of the best and most versatile running backs in the NFL. Jahmyr Gibbs is a true superstar, and he's probably entering a breakout campaign after they traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.
Given his contract situation, talent, and contributions, he's expected to be the highest-paid running back in the league at one point. If anything, some thought that would happen before the start of training camp.
That wasn't the case, and it looks like the former Alabama standout is willing to take matters into his own hands. He didn't practice on the first day of training camp, and judging by Dan Campbell's words, this might go on for a while.
Dan Campbell doesn't know when Jahmyr Gibbs will practice with the Detroit Lions
“This will kind of continue. It'll come as it comes,” Campbell said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard. “I think that's the best way to say it. This is both sides working through something, and we'll take it as it comes, but that's where it is.”
Of course, this doesn't mean Gibbs won't stay in game shape and continue working out on his own. Having him on the field with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is important, obviously, but he'll be ready for when it counts.
Also, it's not like the Lions don't want to pay him. If anything, he's tangled up in a game of chicken with Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson, who's also slated to get a market-resetting contract extension and didn't practice, either.
Robinson will use Gibbs' deal to one-up him or vice versa, and it's just a matter of who makes the first move. Both are projected to get north of $20 million a year, which, given their contributions, is a bargain by modern standards.
Gibbs is coming off the best season of his young career, which is a lot to say. Taking over as the undisputed workhorse running back, he finished the campaign with 243 carries for 1,223 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. That's not a career-high in rushing yards, but he did log career-bests in receptions (77), targets (94), receiving yards (616), and receiving touchdowns (5).
At the end of the day, it should be just a matter of time before this situation gets solved. Of course, this is frustrating, especially knowing it doesn't depend solely on them and that they must also keep an eye on what's going on in Atlanta.
That said, the Lions have never wavered in their desire to extend Gibbs' contract, and with Montgomery gone, he'll be the sole focal point of the running game. Hopefully, this will all be in the rearview mirror in no time.
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