The New York Jets have agreed to extend running back Breece Hall's career with the organization. The Jets landed a contract extension with the RB, making him the third-highest paid running back in the league. 

Amid the recent contract extension of Breece Hall, John "Doc" Maakaron of the Detroit Lions on SI has made a prediction around the Motor City running back Jahmyr Gibbs and his future in the Detroit Lions. 

“What should the Detroit Lions pay Jahmyr Gibbs? Now, Breece Hall has now officially become the third-highest-paid running back,” Maakaron said. “He earns $45.75 million. In my opinion, if Saquon Barkley is just north of $20 million and Christian McCaffrey is at 19, I think we know the number...”

On Friday, the New York Jets and RB Breece Hall landed a contract extension of $45.75 million for three years after his franchise tag for $14.2 million, according to Spotrac.

This extension is important not just to the Jets but also to the Lions' fanbase.

The Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Gibbs would join free agency in 2028, after completing his four-year $17.8 million rookie contract with the Lions. 

“My contract is a three-year extension worth $58.5 million,” Maakaron made a prediction on Gibbs' contract. “You make Jahmyr Gibbs the second-highest paid, $19.5 million a season."

"That's what I would do,” Maakaron added. “Fair foul 19.5 right in the middle. 19 McAffrey, 19 and a half Gibbs, 20.5 for Saquon Barkley.”

Maakaron predicted a $58.5 million contract extension for Gibbs. He did the calculations based on the highest-paid RB contracts of Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) and Saquon Barkley ($20.5 million).

Lions Face Big Decision on Jahmyr Gibbs' Extension

Based on the extension of Breece Hall, the speculations around Jahmyr Gibbs' contract extension are at their peak.

Jahmyr has been an asset for the Lions. In the last season, he played in all 17 games, recording 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

His stats back up his importance in the Lions roster. In 2024, he secured the most touchdowns (16) by any running back in the league. Despite his elite performance, Maakaron believes he should not earn more than Barkley.

“Should Jahmyr Gibbs be making more money than Saquon Barkley? I say no,” Maakaron said. “Saquon's got a ring. Saquon has done his thing.”

When compared to Saquon Barkley, he has earned a Super Bowl LIX championship ring in 2024.

He recorded the league’s highest yards, 2,005 yards, with 345 highest attempts made in 2024. His stats highlight Barkley’s superior production over Gibbs.

“…I think if you just have to be at 19 minimum,” said Maakaron. “You got to go right smack dab… Nothing less than $19.5 million in my humble opinion.”

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi