The Detroit Lions have possessed one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL for the past two seasons. This is thanks in large part to the dynamic running back duo they have with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Before this season, most NFL fans thought of Gibbs as more of a speed back and Montgomery as more of a power back.
Given their "Sonic" and "Knuckles" nicknames and their roles in the offense, that description was logical. However, when Montgomery went down at the end of the 2024 season, Gibbs showed he has the capability to do both. As a result, Gibbs' future beyond his rookie contract looks bright.
That said, in order for Detroit to keep the 22-year-old long-term, a big contract must be given out. This is especially true after the Philadelphia Eagles gave Saquon Barkley a two-year extension worth $41.2 million, with $36 million of it guaranteed, on Tuesday.
BREAKING: Eagles sign RB Saquon Barkley to a 2-year extension worth $41.2M with $36M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/TUwfXpDK3r
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025
Jahmyr Gibbs Could Reset the Running Back Market When He's Due New Contract
Currently, Gibbs has two years left of his rookie deal. Nevertheless, the young star could be looking for a contract extension as early as the end of the 2026 season. While paying Gibbs a Barkley-level contract seems insane, so far, he's on a trajectory to be one of the best backs in the league.
In his first two seasons, the 22-year-old has rushed for 2,357 yards and 26 touchdowns on 432 carries. Moreover, he has recorded 104 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. In total, Gibbs has 3,190 yards and 31 touchdowns from scrimmage in two seasons. That's an amazing start to a career.
As mentioned above, Gibbs proved he could be a three-down back during Montgomery's absence in the final three weeks of this season. In Week 18, Gibbs rushed 29 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns. He also added five receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, in that three-game stretch, Gibbs rushed 64 times for 365 yards and five touchdowns while also recording 13 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. That's the type of production teams look for out of a bell-cow back.
Nevertheless, with Gibbs being a light back, the hits could start to add up faster after his rookie contract. Regardless, from what he has shown, the young star definitely deserves to get paid when the time comes.