The Detroit Lions might soon have the highest-paid running back in the game. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are expected to reset the running back market, and for great reasons, with the Lions star finally set to break out of a committee approach.
For most of his career, Gibbs alternated carries with David Montgomery, with both having a seemingly equal share. That changed in the second half of last season, and the Lions ultimately moved on from the veteran ball-carrier.
That makes sense for a team with a superstar at the position. Nevertheless, as Matt Okada of NFL.com pointed out, Gibbs relied on Montgomery to stay fresh and efficient, and he may have a tough time being at his best now:
"Sonic and Knuckles have split in Detroit, with David Montgomery departing for Houston and vacating 182 touches in the backfield," wrote Okada. "The team signed Isiah Pacheco to help carry that extra load, but some of it will go to superstar Jahmyr Gibbs, who shouldered 320 of his own last season. How will the offense look sans Montgomery, and how will bell-cow Gibbs hold up in his absence? The answers to those questions could define the Lions’ offense -- and season -- in 2026."
The Lions need Isiah Pacheco to pick up some of the slack
The Lions signed former Kansas City Chiefs star Isiah Pacheco in free agency. On paper, he could have a role similar to Montgomery last season, toting the rock in short-yardage situations or to give Gibbs a breather.
Nonetheless, he's been far from efficient over the past couple of years, not even averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He'll have a stout offensive line opening up running lanes for him, and he should be fully healthy for the first time in a while, but still, the precedent is far from encouraging.
Gibbs is probably the most elusive and explosive running back in the game right now, or at least in the top three. That said, part of that had to do with the fact that he was out of the game early and often, so he wasn't as exhausted as the average bell cow running back.
In an ideal scenario, Pacheco will turn back the clock and be the same angry and hard-hitting running back he was as a rookie. He'll bruise his way through the ground, banging and wearing down the opposing defense. Then, Gibbs will take the field with his electric change of pace to make the most of their tired legs.
In reality, that may not be the case. The Lions may put way too much weight on Gibbs' legs, and that will ultimately take away some of his explosiveness. Also, his body might not react the same way late in the season with such a bigger workload.
At the end of the day, the Lions are doing the right thing by trusting their superstar, especially if they're about to pay him the big bucks. Still, that might be a situation to keep a close eye on if Pacheco doesn't give them much as his backup.
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