Jahmyr Gibbs is considered one of the NFL's top running backs, but Lions head coach Dan Campbell believes the star still has an even bigger chapter ahead. Even ahead of the 2023 season, he was considered a special addition.

“We didn’t view Gibbs as a runner; he was a weapon,” Campbell recently said. "We felt like Gibbs, this guy is gonna explode. Yes, he’s a runner; he can run all schemes, he can run inside, outside, the perimeters, but he also can be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet."

While many saw a talented rusher, the Lions evaluated his complete skillset.

"We feel like this guy can play some receiver," the HC continued. "He’s dynamic, and he’s a difference-maker. They don’t come around often.”

With the departure of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, Dan Campbell foresees an expanded role for Jahmyr Gibbs in the upcoming season.

Speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings, Campbell emphasized they never viewed Gibbs as just a traditional running back.

That approach ultimately led to a No. 12 selection in the draft, and the return was immediate. In his rookie season, he came close to the 1,000-yard mark before breaking through in both 2024 and 2025.

There was no doubt that Gibbs was already Detroit’s RB1, but after the David Montgomery trade, it’s official. Now, new OC Drew Petzing is expected to give Gibbs plenty of opportunities to make plays with the ball in his hands.

That aside, Gibbs is already a fan favorite to win the 2026 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

The Lions community has high expectations for Jahmyr Gibbs

The 24-year-old Jahmyr Gibbs is heading into his fourth NFL season and is already a fan favourite to win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2026.

Gibbs' odds of winning the award this year are +700. The next best odds go to the Falcons running back Bijan Robinson at +800.

He is not alone in that race either. Ja'Marr Chase sits close behind at +900, while Puka Nacua and Christian McCaffrey follow at +1000. The list only gets tighter from there, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba at +1100 and Justin Jefferson at +1200—stacking the field with elite offensive firepower.

Gibbs has the highest betting line, and why wouldn’t that be? The Lions star stuffed the stat sheet last season. He finished second on the Lions with 77 catches, 94 targets, and 618 receiving yards.

Given that, what are your expectations for Gibbs in the 2026 season? Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote