Three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs continued his hold-in during the Detroit Lions’ training camp sessions this week. The talented running back missed his fifth consecutive practice session on Monday as he seeks a long-term contract with the Lions.
Stephen A. Smith Sends Jahmyr Gibbs Warning to Detroit Lions
On Tuesday, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who was one of the most high-profile hold-ins, agreed to a mammoth three-year, $66.75 million contract extension. The deal has made Robinson the league’s highest-paid running back, setting the stage for Gibbs’ contract extension.
During Tuesday’s segment of the “First Take” show, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith leveled a warning to the Lions over Gibbs’ contract extension.
“To the Detroit Lions, who the hell do you think you are? Do y’all understand who the hell Jahmyr Gibbs is?” Smith said. “Last two seasons, leads the NFL with 38 touchdowns, four more than any other player. Ranks third in scrimmage yards behind Bijan Robinson and Derrick Henry. Oh, by the way, ranks No. 31 among running backs with an average annual salary of $4.46 million… That brother is a stud. You see that all-world play. You see that playmaker.
“I understand that the Lions came up short. It damn sure wasn’t his fault. A matter of fact, he kept them relevant. He was the reason you actually sat on the outside looking in, wondering whether or not the Detroit Lions were gonna make the playoffs. And by the way, if they did, oh, excuse me, this is a team you better watch out for because of that game-breaker right there. Why the hell is he waiting for his money? You’re damn right he better get signed today.”
Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley was the highest-paid running back ($20.6 million) in the NFL before Robinson’s deal blew him out of the water. On the other hand, Gibbs is poised to earn $3.183 million in base salary and bonuses next season under his contract that has two years left. In April, the Lions exercised their fifth-year option on Gibbs’ contract.
Gibbs was selected No. 12 overall by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, four picks after Robinson. The Lions standout has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, and he has the most touchdowns (49) by a player in their first three years in the league.
While speaking to reporters after news of Robinson’s historic extension broke on Tuesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell dismissed concerns that the deal would interfere with Gibbs’ contract negotiations.
“It’s certainly not gonna hurt. It’s not gonna hurt. But we’ll see,” Campbell said. “Look, I’m anxious to get Gibbs back out there. Every day that goes by, that’s another day that you feel like you miss with him, and getting out there with the guys, and him doing his part. But there again, it’ll get done when it gets done.”
Gibbs tallied 1,223 rushing yards on 243 carries, resulting in 13 rushing touchdowns for the Lions last season, earning a PFN Running Back Impact score of 86.0, good for No. 4 in the league.
