With the Detroit Lions' training camp progressing, star running back Jahmyr Gibbs has recently posted a cryptic message on social media, suggesting that he is still "patiently waiting" for his pending extension deal.

Gibbs, who is still on his rookie deal, has been waiting for a response from the Lions regarding his contract situation. He has staged a hold-in at training camp and has not attended the first two days of practice.

But it seems the three-time Pro Bowl star won't be holding his feelings for long. Gibbs has recently posted a story on Instagram, featuring a photograph of himself smirking at the camera, with the caption, "Patiently waiting."

The Detroit Times posted Gibbs' cryptic message on X. The post appears to be a subtle reference to Gibbs' expectations regarding his contract extension.

Gibbs is currently on a four-year, fully guaranteed $17.8 million contract, which he signed in 2023 when the Lions selected him with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

And since the Lions used their fifth-year option, Gibbs is locked down through the 2027 season. His current deal also includes a $9.9 million signing bonus.

But this contract may be less than what the three-time Pro Bowler is worth right now. According to Spotrac, Gibbs' current market value is estimated to be $60.4 million for a three-year deal. Additionally, his average annual salary is valued at $20.2 million.

This is close to what the highest-paid running back in the league is getting paid right now. The Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley's average annual salary is $20.6 million.

But amid the uncertainty of the time it will take to get the deal done, a fellow running back has given his opinion on Gibbs' situation.

The Lions star Sione Vaki on Jahmyr Gibbs amid the contract extension discussions

Another Detroit running back definitely had an opinion when Gibbs missed two consecutive days of the training camp, which started on July 25. However, it was an undeniably positive take.

"He [Gibbs] definitely wants to be out here," Vaki said on July 29, according to The Athletic. “That’s something he emphasized. This isn’t something he’d do. It’s just a business. He definitely wants to be with his teammates, man. He’s that kind of guy. So, anytime we get to see him, we’re just loving him up, telling him, ‘Do what you gotta do.'"

While Vaki supports Gibbs and says he wants to be on the field, he isn't the only one staging hold-ins. Two-time Pro Bowler Bijan Robinson has also not been in the Atlanta Falcons' training camp, wanting a contract extension as well.

Both are among the best running backs in the league, and their contracts could cost the franchise upwards of $60 million, with Robinson also valued at $56.6 million for a three-year deal.

It will be interesting to see how the contract talks take shape in the future. But for now, Gibbs has sent a slight hint that he wants to get it done as soon as possible.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit