As the Detroit Lions worked through training camp practice No. 4, insider Ian Rapoport was on site from the Meijer Performance Center reporting live for the NFL Network’s Back Together Weekend.
Detroit superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to hold-in throughout Lions camp as he negotiates for a long-term contract extension. The electric 5-foot-9, 202-pound running back has totaled 3,580 rushing yards, 1,449 receiving yards and 49 total touchdowns in just three NFL seasons, setting him up for a massive payday.
On Sunday, Rapoport updated where things stand between Gibbs and the Lions on a potential new deal.
“We’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is Jahmyr Gibbs is here on the field behind me. The bad news is he’s not doing anything except standing there in a hoodie and watching practice, but he has been seen, he has been sighted. He is dealing with, you know, I would say a minor injury as he waits for his contract to be done.
“It’s not that simple as, well, why haven’t the Lions paid him? First of all, the Lions have paid several of their stars. That really is what they’ve been doing this offseason. It’s what they do every offseason, which is draft really well, pay the really good guys. Jahmyr Gibbs no doubt is next, but he doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When he gets done, he is going to be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, over $20 million, perhaps the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Don’t know exactly where it’s going to come in. The two sides are talking,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport noted how Bijan Robinson’s negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons and Jonathan Taylor’s negotiations with the Indianapolis Colts could factor into Gibbs’ new deal.
“There’s also the Bijan Robinson negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons. Also likely to be the highest-paid running back in the NFL when he gets done at some point potentially. Those sides also are talking. Jonathan Taylor for the Indianapolis Colts, he is also in talks for a new deal. Could come in around that, maybe a little under, maybe a little over. We will see.
“One of these running backs will have to go first. We don’t know right now who it is going to be as the market gets reset at the running back position that for years and years just has never been paid what it is worth. Now you are going to see three star running backs get big-time money. It’s just a matter of which guy goes first and then how quickly the next guys follow suit,” Rapoport said.
Rapoport shared some more thoughts on Gibbs’ negotiations later in the day with Brad Galli.
“Nice to see him out here. Nice to see, we call it proof of life, so he is there, he is healthy-ish. He is good. I would say this. They’re working, the negotiations are active. There’s really no debate inside this organization about whether or not Jahmyr Gibbs deserves a deal. He is one of the best players in football, he is the most explosive player on this Lions offense and he’s one of the best running backs in the NFL. So, they are going to pay him. It’s just a matter of when and how much.
“These are good problems to have and the Lions have had this problem for the last several years. They’ve drafted so well that they’ve had to pay all these guys and they’ve been able to do it in a way where they can basically maintain the talent level while also paying their really good guys. I expect it to get done. I don’t know when, but I do expect it to get done,” Rapoport said.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFL insider updates Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract negotiations with Lions
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Josh Helmer, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
