The Detroit Lions and Jahmyr Gibbs may finally be approaching the finish line.
According to Jordan Schultz, Detroit and its star running back have made “substantial progress” on a three-year contract extension that would make Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Schultz added that the two sides hope to finalize the agreement as early as Thursday.
No contract has been signed or officially announced yet.
Gibbs Could Surpass Bijan Robinson
The reported framework would put Gibbs ahead of the new running back market established this week.
Bijan Robinson recently signed an extension averaging $22.25 million per season, while Jonathan Taylor landed a deal worth $22 million annually. For Gibbs to become the league’s highest-paid back, Detroit’s offer would need to exceed Robinson’s annual value.
Spotrac recently projected Gibbs for a three-year, $68.5 million extension, which would average approximately $22.83 million per season.
The exact value, guarantees and signing bonus remain unknown.
Practice Return Could Follow Agreement
Schultz reported that Gibbs is expected to return to practice once the deal is completed.
Gibbs participated in Thursday’s walkthrough and stretching periods before working separately with a trainer. He had missed Detroit’s first six full practices while remaining involved in meetings and workouts inside the facility.
Earlier Thursday, Gibbs gave Dave Birkett a thumbs-up when asked whether a contract was close.
That gesture suddenly looks a little more meaningful.
Bottom Line
The Lions and Jahmyr Gibbs have not completed an extension, but the strongest report yet suggests major progress has been made.
Detroit is reportedly working toward a three-year agreement that would make Gibbs the NFL’s highest-paid running back. The hope is to finish the deal as early as Thursday and get No. 0 fully back onto the practice field.
The long wait may nearly be over.
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