One major domino fell toward a new long-term deal for Detroit Lions superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Two-time Pro Bowler Bijan Robinson reached agreement on a three-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $75 million that will make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Robinson will receive $51 million guaranteed and the Falcons star will now make $22.25 million per year, surpassing the Philadelphia Eagles‘ Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million) as the highest-paid running back in average per year.
Throughout this offseason, many have felt that Gibbs and Robinson’s extensions would be linked to one another as both look to reset the running back market with new deals. Now that Robinson’s deal has been finalized, will that help expedite Gibbs’ new deal?
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked on Tuesday morning if he thought Robinson’s extension could help Gibbs and Detroit get to the finish line on a new deal.
“I mean, I think it’s certainly not going to hurt. It’s not going to hurt. But, we’ll see. Look, I’m anxious to get Gibbs back out there. Every day that goes by, that’s another day that you feel like you missed with him and getting him out there with the guys and him doing his part. But, there again, it’ll get done when it gets done,” Campbell said.
Gibbs is in the midst of a hold-in at Lions training camp as he negotiates for an extension. In his first public remarks since beginning his hold-in, Gibbs told reporters on Monday that “only time will tell” when he’s back on the field.
Gibbs holds the NFL record for most touchdowns scored in a player’s first three seasons with 49. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound back has registered consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has run for 3,580 yards in his first three NFL seasons. Gibbs has added an additional 1,449 receiving yards.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions talk Jahmyr Gibbs contract after Bijan Robinson extension
