Contract negotiations often become a big distraction for NFL players, but Jahmyr Gibbs appears determined not to let that happen. Gibbs has naturally become a topic of extension after becoming the Lions' most important offensive weapon.

While many fans and analysts are curious to know whether the Lions are close to locking up their running back long-term, Gibbs cleared that contract talks are not his priority right now. 

“I don’t know. Don’t really pay attention to all that stuff,” Gibbs said this week at OTAs. “I let my agent and Brad do all that — or whoever does it up there, I don’t know. But I just let him do that, and I just be out here.”

Gibbs gave a straightforward response that contract discussions are being handled by his representatives and the Lions' front office rather than himself.

Rather than discussing publicly numbers or timelines, he has focused on preparation, performance, and helping the Lions with games. Gibbs' comments suggest that the business side will take care of itself as his representative talks to the general manager, Brad Holmes.

Detroit has already rewarded important players of its young core, and Gibbs has become the centerpiece of Detroit's offense. His ability to impact games as both a runner and receiver has made him one of the NFL's most dynamic backs.

Last season, Gibbs was promoted as a starter, recording 1,223 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, while also catching 77 passes for 616 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

While contract headlines continue to follow, football is his priority right now, especially with Dan Campbell relying on him more heavily for the upcoming 2026 season.

Dan Campbell Asks a Lot Of Jahmyr Gibbs Following David Montgomery's Departure

With veteran David Montgomery no longer in the backfield, Campbell declared that the workload for the Pro Bowl runner will be increased.

“He’s going to be our bell cow now,” Campbell told reporters on Thursday, “He really became more of that last year, but we’re going to hang our hat on him quite a bit. We’re going to do a lot of things we feel like he does well."

Campbell appreciated Gibbs' versatility, noticing he can thrive in any rushing scheme and create plays both outside and between the tackles as well.

The Lions coach added that the offense plans to "hang out hat on him quite a bit," showing how central Gibbs will be to Detroit's attack this season.

The responsibility falls on Gibbs, who is also eligible for a contract extension. With new coordinator Drew Petzing, Campbell is expecting a lot from Gibbs and other offensive contributors like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Isiah Pacheco, and Penei Sewell as well.

Do you think Gibbs can be a cornerstone for the Lions this season?

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi