Lions coach says Robinson contract won’t affect Gibbs talks

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that the three-year, $51 million guaranteed extension signed by Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson will not impede the Lions’ contract discussions with their own star back, Jahmyr Gibbs. Campbell said the Robinson deal “is certainly not gonna hurt, but we’ll see,” adding that he wants Gibbs back on the field as soon as possible.

Gibbs has missed his fifth consecutive practice, though he was seen on the sidelines in a Lions hoodie talking with teammates Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and quarterback Jared Goff. When approached by reporters, Gibbs said only time will tell when he will return and that his focus is not on a new contract, declining to elaborate further.

Both the Lions and Gibbs’ representatives are working toward a long-term agreement that would keep him in Detroit beyond the 2027 season. Campbell noted that Gibbs completed a conditioning test last week despite a minor back issue that was not serious.

Teammate Jameson Williams praised Gibbs, saying he should be the NFL’s highest-paid running back and that his performance “is the best” when looking at film, not just statistics. Gibbs, a three-time Pro Bowler, holds the league record for most touchdowns in a player’s first three seasons with 49.