One of the early surprise developments from the Detroit Lions' training camp was the absence of Jahmyr Gibbs. While everyone expected that contract extension talks between the star running back and the Lions would take place this offseason, few predicted that Gibbs would skip practices until a deal was signed.
This has raised some eyebrows among the fanbase, but the coaching staff and players don't seem to be sweating it all that much. There is confidence that the organization and Gibbs will come to an agreement. In fact, over the weekend, we got some indications that a deal may be coming sooner rather than later.
A Jahmyr Gibbs extension is only a matter of time
The first big sign was Gibbs' attendance at Sunday's practice. Even though the 24-year-old rusher didn't participate, he was seen on the sidelines for the first time since training camp began. This can clearly be seen as a positive sign, especially considering wide receiver Jameson Williams' comments after the practice. He said that Gibbs is the "best of the best" and should be the highest-paid running back in the league.
This demonstrates that Gibbs' teammates are on board with the situation. This is in line with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Dan Campbell's statements from earlier in the week.
Over the weekend, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Atlanta Falcons and Bijan Robinson are working on a new deal. All offseason, it has been reported that Gibbs and Robinson are waiting for one another's extension to become the highest-paid RB in the league. If the Falcons and their star rusher come to an agreement this week, one has to assume that Gibbs and the Lions would quickly reach terms.
Whatever the annual average salary Robinson signs for, Gibbs will likely come in at a number slightly above that, making him the most expensive RB all-time.
ESPN's Ian Rapoport echoed these sentiments in his interview with Brad Galli on Sunday. He said that the negotiations between the Lions and Gibbs' camp are "active" and that "There's really no debate within this organization about whether or not Jahmyr Gibbs deserves a deal." The NFL insider then added that the Lions will surely pay him, but "it's just a matter of when and how much."
Fortunately, all signs are pointing towards this deal happening sooner than expected. It's in both sides' interest to take care of this as soon as possible and have Gibbs return to practice.
Gibbs is going to be Detroit's bellcow this season, and the Lions can't afford this situation to fester any longer. The quicker their star offensive player is on the field in training camp, the better Lions fans can feel about their team's prospects in 2026
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