Lions GM Commits to Keeping Star RB Gibbs Long-Term

Brad Holmes says Detroit will work on a lucrative contract extension for Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs this offseason.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:09pm

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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has confirmed the team's plans to sign star running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a long-term contract extension. Gibbs, a Pro Bowler the past three seasons, has emerged as a centerpiece of the Lions' offense, breaking several franchise records held by legendary RB Barry Sanders in his first three NFL campaigns.

Why it matters

Retaining Gibbs long-term is a top priority for the Lions as they look to build a championship contender around their young offensive core. Gibbs' continued development and production will be crucial to the team's success after they narrowly missed the playoffs in 2025.

The details

Gibbs, 23, accumulated 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2025 season, earning his third straight Pro Bowl selection. However, his stats dipped a bit in the final third of the year, averaging just 45.3 rushing yards per game. Still, the Lions view Gibbs as a foundational piece and plan to make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL with a lucrative contract extension.

  • Gibbs broke Barry Sanders' franchise record for most touchdowns (47) in a player's first three NFL seasons, reaching 49 TDs.
  • The Lions concluded their 2025 season with a victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 18.

The players

Jahmyr Gibbs

A 23-year-old running back for the Detroit Lions who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons, breaking several franchise records held by legendary RB Barry Sanders.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions who has confirmed the team's plans to sign Jahmyr Gibbs to a long-term contract extension this offseason.

Barry Sanders

A Hall of Fame running back who played for the Detroit Lions and held several franchise records that Jahmyr Gibbs has now surpassed in his first three NFL seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The bottom line is this: we want Gibbs here for a long time. He is truly a centerpiece for our offense, of our team. That's really the main thing.”

— Brad Holmes, General Manager, Detroit Lions (NFL Network)

“I am so happy for Jahmyr, and his teammates. It is really incredible when you think he was able to score so many times with so many other weapons on offense. And he is not done yet, I hope. It is a real testament to his ability to consistently create big plays.”

— Barry Sanders (ESPN)

“Disappointing for sure. We always have hopes to make it to the Super Bowl, and if not that, at least make the playoffs, and we didn't get either.”

— Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Detroit Lions (Detroit Free Press)

“I think it could be a good thing. That's how I look at it as a positive. You learn from it. Learn as much as we can and fix mistakes going forward.”

— Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Detroit Lions (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The Lions plan to begin contract extension talks with Jahmyr Gibbs' representation this week as they look to lock up their star running back long-term.

The takeaway

Retaining Jahmyr Gibbs is a top priority for the Detroit Lions as they aim to build a championship contender around their young offensive core. Gibbs has emerged as one of the NFL's elite running backs in just three seasons, breaking several franchise records held by Lions legend Barry Sanders.