A major talking point for the Detroit Lions' offseason has been about star running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract extension. Now, former Lions running back and former star teammate of Gibbs, David Montgomery, has weighed in on the discussion.

Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason to provide more touches to Gibbs. Yet, the RB didn’t hesitate to react to Gibbs’ situation after Detroit exercised its fifth-year option to tie Gibbs down through 2027.

“Give my baby [Gibbs] anything he want!” wrote Montgomery on his Instagram Story, per The Detroit Times. “He earned that s***! On mamas.”

Montgomery reacted to a post by One Pride Detroit on his personal Instagram story, per The Detroit Times' X account. The report by 97.1’s Jon Jansen stated that Gibbs could potentially hold out if a contract extension wasn't negotiated by camp

The Gibbs-Montgomery duo, fondly called Sonic and Knuckles, was one of the best running back duos in the league before Montgomery’s trade away. 

Montgomery, who was formerly a Chicago Bear, was signed to a three-year $18 million deal in March 2023. He also received a two-year, $18.25 million extension in October 2024, before his trade.

Meanwhile, Gibbs is still under his rookie contract, after being selected 12th overall in 2023.

In their three years together, Montgomery recorded 2,506 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns, and 650 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Gibbs recorded 3,580 rushing yards, 39 rushing touchdowns, 1,449 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns.

While Gibbs was expected to have a higher offensive load, the main problem now is his contract extension, with the Lions and Gibbs yet to reach an agreement this offseason.

According to the Pride of Detroit’s projections, Gibbs could be looking at a contract of 4 years, $84 million, with $44 million guaranteed. This would make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

It certainly does look like Gibbs will wait for the contract to be worked out, considering he did not attend the Lions’ first practice.

Gibbs reports to training camp but doesn’t attend practice

Earlier reports of Gibbs holding out for his contract extension seem to have been proven right as Gibbs reported to training camp but did not attend the team’s first practice, according to WSLS 10 News.

However, Gibbs’ agent and the franchise are still negotiating the new deal. Lions head coach Dan Campbell also shared his thoughts as well on the situation.

“You guys know how we feel about Gibbs,” said Campbell. “This is both sides working through something.”

It is largely expected that the Lions will end up resigning the running back, especially after they were able to sign star linebacker Jack Campbell to a more team-friendly deal than many expected. 

The three-time All-Pro running back currently has two years left on his contract. This is because the Lions picked the fifth-year option on Gibbs’ rookie contract in April. That means that Gibbs will be earning $14.29 million in 2027.

The Lions have a history of rewarding their young stars with large early contract extensions under general manager Brad Holmes, such as with Aidan Hutchinson, whose contract was extended in October 2025, ahead of his fifth-year option.

Therefore, we could expect the Lions and Gibbs to reach an agreement pretty soon, and see Gibbs practice with his team sooner rather than later.

Do you think the Lions will make Gibbs the highest paid RB in the league? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit