Lions coach says Bijan Robinson's contract could influence Jahmyr Gibbs' deal
Running back Bijan Robinson signed a three-year extension that makes him the NFL's highest-paid at the position, and Detroit Lions officials say the deal may set a precedent for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs' pending contract.
Detroit running back Bijan Robinson agreed on Tuesday to a three-year extension worth an average of $22.25 million per season, according to ESPN and NFL Network. The agreement makes Robinson the league's highest-paid running back, surpassing Saquon Barkley, who was the only player earning over $20 million a year at the position before the deal.
The contract could provide a framework for the Lions to negotiate a new deal with rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who is currently in the final year of his rookie contract and slated to earn $3.183 million in base salary and bonuses this season. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the Robinson deal "won’t hurt" the team's approach to Gibbs, adding that the situation will be evaluated in due course.
Gibbs missed his sixth consecutive practice as he awaits a contract extension that could place him among the league's highest-paid running backs. When asked about his hold-in status, Gibbs replied that "only time will tell" and indicated that a new contract was not his immediate concern.
Gibbs, a 2023 first-round pick, has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons, recorded over 1,200 rushing yards in each of the past two years, and accumulated 49 touchdowns, the most by any player in their first three NFL seasons. With Gibbs absent, teammates Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki have taken the majority of first-team reps in early camp. Vaki suffered a broken nose and will miss time, giving other backs additional practice opportunities.
Campbell expressed a desire to have Gibbs back on the field, noting that each day of his absence delays the team's preparation, but emphasized that the situation will be resolved when appropriate.