Training camp has already been jam-packed with storylines and ever-changing injury reports, but the Detroit Lions had one task at the top of the list of priorities: extend Jahmyr Gibbs.
The pressure was turned up on Brad Holmes and Detroit to get a deal done, seeing as Jonathan Taylor signed a $22 million per year extension with the Indianapolis Colts and Bijan Robinson signed a $22.25 million per year extension with the Atlanta Falcons. Two of the league’s top-paid running backs just set the bar higher for Gibbs’ extension, but the front office was able to get the job done (taking notes, Chris Ilitch?).
Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history, and the expectations are going to be sky-high following the extension, especially since David Montgomery is no longer around. Isiah Pacheco was signed this offseason to replace Montgomery, but he likely won’t see the 150-200 carries that his predecessor saw over the past two seasons as RB2.
In that case, what would the likely stat line look like for Gibbs in 2026 after two straight 1,000-yard seasons and while breaking in a new backup running back?
Taking the last two seasons into account and considering that Pacheco likely isn’t receiving the same workload as Montgomery, at least not right away, Gibbs should be in for another 1,000-yard season easily. Want an even bolder prediction? He’s about to smash his previous career-highs.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ 2026 stat projections
Rushing yards: 1,720 (career-high)
Rushing TDs: 15
Yards per carry: 5.8 (career-high)
Receptions: 68
Receiving yards: 565 yards
Receiving TDs: 6 (career-high)
It’s going to be a massive year for the fourth-year running backs out of Alabama with Montgomery gone and Pacheco still getting acclimated to the offense.
The keys to the backfield are firmly in his hands and he’s about to earn that contract.
Jahmyr Gibbs‘ workload is about to increase
Part of the reason that Gibbs is about to have a career season is that he’s about to see his workload increase. He’ll still average 5.8 yards per carry, so the increased workload isn’t the only reason that he’ll post these career highs.
Gibbs may see a slightly reduced receiving role, but the Lions are still going to need his pass-catching ability out of the backfield to keep the offense humming. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are back as 1,000-yard receivers, and a healthy Sam LaPorta could mean fewer targets for Gibbs.
That receiving prediction may be way off, especially since Pacheco has only had one season with more than 19 receptions in his four-year career. For reference, Montgomery had 36 receptions in 2024 and 24 in 2025. This is also just a gut feeling since LaPorta is back.
Gibbs will see a 50-carry increase, and that’s going to translate into him being the league’s top rusher in 2026.
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