The running back market has taken a turn in the 2026 offseason, and Jahmyr Gibbs appears to be the last running back who is going to cash in. The Detroit Lions and Gibbs have had discussions involving a long-term contract, as Gibbs holds in at practice and waits for it to get resolved. However, since their negotiations began, the Atlanta Falcons extended Bijan Robinson, and now the Indianapolis Colts extended Jonathan Taylor.
The Robinson extension might have given a strong idea of what the peak of the deal looks like, while Taylor gives us an indication of the floor.
Detroit Lions Letting the Rest of the NFL Work Out Jahmyr Gibbs Contract Negotiations
GettyIndianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
First, Robinson signed a three-year, $66.75M deal that averaged $22.25M per year. It came in with $51M in guaranteed salary. That set the peak for what running backs make in the NFL. Jonathan Taylor is a little older with a little bit more of an injury background.
Still, he needed to sign his new deal, and because he came in after Robinson, the deal was going to have to be close. So, it was not a surprise that Taylor signed a two-year, $44M deal that averaged $22M per year. It also included $39M in guarantees.
The deal did not top Robinson in any aspect. It was fewer years, less average per year, and fewer guarantees. However, the deal is right in line with the market, as he got just $250K per year less.
While the debate around Gibbs is how much or whether he can beat Robinson, there is no doubt that his deal will beat Taylor.
Lions Have to Make Gibbs the Highest-Paid Running Back in the NFL
Over the past three seasons, Taylor has 4,424 yards from scrimmage with 40 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Gibbs has 5,029 yards and 49 touchdowns over that span. Taylor is three years older than Gibbs as well.
Robinson had 5,648 yards and 34 touchdowns over that time. So, while the Robinson deal was helpful for Gibbs, it did not quite settle what his expected salary would be. Robinson and Gibbs were the same age, but Robinson was drafted a touch higher. He also had more yards. However, Gibbs has more touchdowns and might be used more often without David Montgomery. It was tough to tell who should get more.
However, it is clear that both Robinson and Gibbs were going to make more than Taylor. So, Taylor coming in so close on a per-average basis gives Gibbs nowhere to go but up on his salary. Perhaps he could match Robinson with $22.25M per year. However, it is more likely that he will get somewhere in the $22.3-$22.5M range. Taylor only signed for two years because he is older with more injury questions. So, Gibbs should get three years.
The big debate will be the guaranteed money. Gibbs is going to want to top the $51M in guaranteed salary. Still, with any more, the team is essentially going to have to guarantee the whole deal. This might be the final piece to get the two sides across the finish line.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Jonathan Taylor’s New Deal Leaves Lions Little Wiggle Room appeared first on HEAVY.