It’s a great time to be an NFL running back after a recent string of contract extensions, and Jahmyr Gibbs is the latest beneficiary of a monster deal.
The Detroit Lions star is one of the elite runners in the league, and now he’s truly being paid like it. In fact, the former college football standout is set to become the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.
Gibbs is undoubtedly a dynamic running back, and Detroit plans on utilizing him as a workhorse in 2026. This comes after David Montgomery moved on this offseason to the Houston Texans.
The Lions are paying Gibbs north of $75 million if his entire contract is paid out. Meanwhile, he’s set to make at least $51.5 million in guaranteed money.
Now, the former Alabama star becomes the highest-paid RB just three days after Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a contract that could be worth $75 million, per Spotrac.
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Gibbs and Robinson are viewed as two of the best rushers in the league, so it’s only fitting they are being paid handsomely.
Next man up
Gibbs is entering his first campaign as the true feature back for Detroit. Dan Campbell and Co. are certainly leaning heavily on their young talent without Montgomery.
Meanwhile, it has been a busy time for running backs recently. Jonathon Taylor joins Gibbs and Robinson with massive extensions heading into the new campaign.
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The Indianapolis Colts runner is staying with the AFC South team for at least another two seasons. This comes after his extension promises $39 million guaranteed after he finished third in rushing yards in 2025.
Top 11 highest-paid NFL running backs
- Jahmyr Gibbs – Contract worth up to $75.75 million, $51.5 million guaranteed
- Bijan Robinson – Contract worth up to $75 million, $51 million guaranteed
- De’Von Achane – Contract worth up to $64 million, $32 million guaranteed
- Jeremiyah Love – $53 million guaranteed and total value
- Travis Etienne Jr. – $52 million total value, $28 million guaranteed
- Jonathan Taylor – Contract worth up to $47 million, $39 million guaranteed
- Josh Jacobs – $48 million total value, $12.5 million guaranteed
- James Cook – $48 million total value, $30 million guaranteed
- Breece Hall – Contract worth up to $43.5 million, $29 million guaranteed
- Kenneth Walker III – $43.05 million total value, $28.7 million guaranteed
- Saquon Barkley – Contract worth up to $41.2 million, $36 million guaranteed
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