The intentions of the Detroit Lions were made clear this offseason when they traded running back David Montgomery to the Texans. While the move has officially handed Jahmyr Gibbs control of Detroit’s backfield, his contract is set to run out after 2027.

One NFL analyst believes the Lions should waste no time rewarding their star playmaker.

“At some point, you’ve gotta say, ‘I’m not taking the risk here. I want my contract.’ And his contract needs to start with a 2...He should not be touching grass until they are paying him,” NFL insider Mike Florio said on PFT Live.

Florio argued that Detroit needs to begin extension talks immediately and make Gibbs one of the highest-paid running backs in football. He believes that Gibbs needs to angle for a deal that is worth upwards of $20 million per year.

Florio stressed how Gibbs was taking a risk not signing the extension due to the fact that injuries could happen with the extra touches.

“He is risking. I know that when you’re young, and you can do incredible things, you feel like you’re going to be able to until you’re 100 years old,” said Florio. 

“That’s the weirdest thing, to be oblivious and delusional to the fact that you are at serious risk while guys are dropping like flies around you is an incredible skill,” he added.

The dynamic running back rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns with a career-best 77 receptions for 616 yards and five receiving scores. He has become one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

This has prompted the Lions to exercise Gibbs’ fifth-year option this offseason. That reality removes any immediate pressure on general manager Brad Holmes to finalize an extension.

However, Florio might have a point when it comes to paying Gibbs right now.

Lions Have Time, But Jahmyr Gibbs’ Price Is Only Rising

The Lions are not under any immediate pressure to finalize a new contract with Gibbs after picking his fifth-year option. However, each productive season will keep increasing his price. 

"Several reports and projections around the league have estimated a potential extension in the range of four years and $82–84 million, which would put him above the current top running back contracts in annual value," Adam Stark of Roundtable Sports reported in May.

According to Stark, Gibbs' contract will include around $21 million per year and $45-50 million guaranteed. His deal will surpass stars like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey.

For now, Gibbs remains entirely focused on his performance and daily practice. As he noted on Thursday, he is letting his agent handle all contract negotiations.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore