Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs capped a historic rookie season with 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns, tying Barry Sanders' franchise record for touchdowns in his first three seasons. Gibbs, the 2024 first-round pick, earned Pro Bowl honors but the Lions' 7-10 record left them out of the playoffs for the first time since 2022. His stellar performance, including 54 explosive runs of 15+ yards, places him among elite backs like Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson.

Gibbs' future is complicated by the Lions' history of lucrative extensions for homegrown stars like Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson, and the rising cost of the position. The franchise faces a significant decision regarding his potential contract extension, which could reset the running back market, especially with Saquon Barkley's $20.6M annual salary setting a benchmark. Gibbs remains focused on improvement, though the Lions' playoff miss casts a shadow over the season's conclusion.