Jahmyr Gibbs has agreed to a new three-year contract with the Detroit Lions worth up to $75.7 million (£56.3 million), making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal, announced by his agents at Athletes First, includes $51.5 million (£38.3 million) guaranteed. Gibbs appeared on the field for the first time during the Lions' training camp on Thursday, signaling that the agreement was nearing completion. He changed his jersey number from 26 to 0 ahead of the 2025 season and previously rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores.

The new contract surpasses the deal signed earlier this week by Bijan Robinson with the Atlanta Falcons, who briefly held the title of highest-paid running back. Robinson’s three-year extension is worth up to $75 million (£55 million), with $51 million (£37 million) guaranteed, according to Spotrac.com. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor also signed a two-year, $44 million deal on Thursday.

Gibbs' new average annual salary exceeds the previous record held by Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who was earning $20.6 million (£15.3 million) per year. Robinson will need to achieve multiple incentives to earn the full value of his contract, but even the base level of his deal would have set a new benchmark for running backs. Both players are now setting new financial standards at their position.