Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio set off fresh debate this week by urging Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to skip literally every physical activity until the team hands him a new contract.
On the April 13 episode of “From PFT Live,” Florio advised Gibbs not to practice, partake in any conditioning or do anything physical at all before a new deal is done. As it stands, Gibbs already has legit leverage when it comes to contract negotiations. He is eligible for an extension this offseason after making a third straight Pro Bowl, and some think the Lions playmaker could be on his way to being the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
“I ain’t showing up for the off season program if I’m Bijan Robinson. Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs — do not enter the facility,” Florio said. “Do not pick up a weight. Do not put on a cleat. Do not do anything until you get your second contract. That’s a no-brainer.”
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has said publicly he wants to keep the top of his 2023 draft class — Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta, safety Brian Branch and linebacker Jack Campbell — but that may not be possible, and considering his role in the offense, Gibbs feels like a priority.
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Urged to Be Holdout By PFT’s Mike Florio Until He Signs New Contract
GettyRunning back Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions has been encouraged to be a holdout from training camp until he gets a new contract.
“I’m sorry, Falcons fans, Lions fans, you just want everything to be fine,” Florio added. “Well, the sooner your organizations takes care of these guys, then it will all be fine because they both deserve massive market-level paydays and they should take zero risk — zero risk — with their health now or in the future until they get those contracts.”
It’ll be fascinating to see how Detroit handles Gibbs’ next contract.
The NFL’s current highest-paid RB is Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley makes $20.6 million per year, and San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is the next highest-paid RB in the league, making $19 million annually.
Gibbs has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns per season across his three years, and he has the most touchdowns by any player through his first three seasons. He finished 2025 third in the NFL in rushing yards (1,223) and second in rushing TDs (13). From 2024 through 2025, he also caught 100 passes for 896 yards and seven scores.
The Sooner the Lions Ink Gibbs to a New Deal, the Better
Florio’s co-host, Chris Simms, agreed with the analyst’s assessment.
“I’d like them to lift weights and be in shape and put themselves in their best position, but don’t take any risk within that,” Simms said. “You don’t need to do OTAs. … They are awesome to watch, Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. They are two of the five or six most explosive offensive players in football. And yeah, they are worth a lot of damn money, so be careful.”
For Detroit, it’d likely be best to sign Gibbs to a new contract as soon as possible. A simple restructure of quarterback Jared Goff’s contract created about $32 million in cap space earmarked for the four extensions. Pushing money into void years, as the team did with edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson’s four-year, $180 million deal, would let the Lions keep Gibbs without crippling the rest of the core.
Locking him in now would also remove any temptation to take Florio’s advice — because every day the Lions wait, the price could climb.
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