Inside Jahmyr Gibbs' historic start, future with the Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs, the Detroit Lions running back, has continued his historic start to his NFL career in 2025, setting records and positioning himself for a potential lucrative contract extension with the team, as his performance through three seasons has placed him among the greatest players in NFL history. The 23-year-old Gibbs accumulated 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns during the 2025 season, earning Pro Bowl honors for the third consecutive season while breaking Barry Sanders' record for most touchdowns in a player's first three seasons with 49 scores. Despite these impressive numbers, the Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, the year before they selected Gibbs 12th overall. Gibbs' early career accomplishments place him in elite company, ranking seventh among all running backs with 3,580 yards since entering the league, third in scrimmage yards behind only Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson, and second with 5.3 yards per carry. His 54 explosive runs (15+ yards) since 2023 trail only Henry's 62, and his 11 touchdowns on such runs are tied for second in that span. Even legendary running back Barry Sanders has taken notice, praising Gibbs' ability to consistently create big plays despite other offensive weapons on the field. As Gibbs enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Lions face significant decisions regarding his future. With the team having already committed nearly $1 billion to contract extensions since spring 2024, Gibbs could command a deal that resets the market for running backs, potentially surpassing Saquon Barkley's $20.6 million annual salary. General Manager Brad Holmes has reiterated the organization's commitment to re-signing drafted players, including Gibbs, but financial constraints and the relatively short shelf life of running backs may influence the timeline. While Gibbs remains focused on improving after his production dipped in the final six games of the 2025 season, the Lions must balance rewarding their homegrown star with maintaining salary cap flexibility in an increasingly expensive league.