Jahmyr Gibbs contract hold-in, explained: Why Lions RB is sitting out of training camp practice in Detroit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NFL training camps have arrived, which means some big-name players are looking for new contracts.
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Among those expecting an extension is Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who had a second-straight season of at least 1,800 scrimmage yards last year. With the Lions moving on from David Montgomery, Gibbs remains even more of an offensive focal point for a team hoping to return to the playoffs.
Gibbs reported to Lions camp but did not participate in the first practice of the Summer, making his contract situation one to watch as training camp progresses. Here’s the latest on Gibbs’ contract status for the season.
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Jahmyr Gibbs contract hold-in
As Jahmyr Gibbs looks for a new contract, the star running back is sitting out of practices to begin Lions training camp, with his first missed practice coming on Wednesday. Gibbs is one of several players looking for a new deal this Summer, with the hold-in being a popular avenue amid negotiations.
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Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation on Wednesday, and he was pretty vague while acknowledging the reality of the contract negotiations.
“This will kind of continue,” Campbell said. “It’ll come as it comes. I think that’s the best way to say it. This is both sides working through something and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s where it is.”
Hold-ins happen frequently under the existing CBA because players view possible hold-out punishments as too much to endure. Gibbs would get fined $45,000 per day for not reporting to training camp, but the Lions can’t force him to practice even if he does report to camp.
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Jahmyr Gibbs contract
Gibbs is currently in the fourth year of his rookie contract, as he has a base salary of $1.145 million and will count as $5.7 million against the cap in 2026. The Lions did pick up his fifth-year option for next season, so Gibbs will earn $14.3 million in 2027 both as a base salary and against the cap.
The current highest-paid running back in the NFL by total value is De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins, who will make $64 million on a deal that kicks in next year. Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, though, is the highest-paid player by cap hit, at just over $15 million, while Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley’s $20 million AAV is the highest in the league as well.
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Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson are in the same boat as 2023 first-round picks, especially considering they are among the top running backs in the league. Both Gibbs and Robinson should set the market for future running back contracts with their new deals.
