From the very second he set foot on the field, it became crystal clear that the Detroit Lions had landed a true gem with Jahmyr Gibbs. His elusiveness, acceleration, and explosive-play potential are elite, and he always seemed somewhat limited by the context.
Sharing the backfield with David Montgomery capped his ceiling. Even so, he still managed to log highlight reel-worthy plays on a weekly basis, earning the right to be the sole bellcow for Dan Campbell's team.
Ironically, that, plus his impending contract extension, might collude to hurt his reputation in 2026. As crazy as it may seem, Jahmyr Gibbs might actually be the most disappointing player in Detroit next season, at least based on expectations.
Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs could be a victim of circumstances
Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are in a staring contest to get a contract extension. Whoever signs first will most likely reset the running back market, with the next one one-upping him right next, if only for a single dollar.
That type of league-altering deal comes with steep expectations and responsibilities. He's lived up to the hype -- he's exceeded it, even -- so far, which is a lot to say for a first-round running back. Still, he did so while on a great value deal. Now, the stakes are higher.
That won't be the only factor that might make people feel somewhat unimpressed by his 2026 numbers. Not having Montgomery by his side might also take a toll on his efficiency, health, and overall game.
Gibbs only started seven games in his first two years before starting all 17 last season. Montgomery finally took a step back in the second half of last season. Gibbs didn't have a 100-yard rushing game in the final six weeks of the season, and he only topped 50 yards twice. Coincidence?
The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco to take some weight off Gibbs' shoulders, but, with all due respect, he's no David Montgomery. Montgomery averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his three years with the Lions, all while Pacheco averaged 3.7 and 3.9 rushing yards, respectively, in the past couple of seasons.
He's not efficient, and Gibbs will have to do all of the heavy lifting on his own. As talented and dynamic as he is, and as much as he can also contribute to the passing game, defenses will ultimately focus on him and his strengths.
Gibbs is still looking at 1,000 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns, but expectations are always higher for superstars, especially those fresh off a big-money extension. All things considered, he might need to do much more than just that to live up to his reputation.
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