Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs Becomes Highest-Paid Running Back In NFL History With 3-Year, $67.5 Million Contract Extension

Imagine making history by earning millions of dollars.

That’s exactly what three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs is doing, signing a contract extension with the Detroit Lions that now places him as the highest-paid running back ever in the history of the National Football League.

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According to Gibbs’ agent Todd France, who told the information to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 24-year-old reached an agreement Thursday with the Lions on a three-year extension worth $67.5 million. Altogether, the deal could see Gibbs paid up to $75.75 million; $51.5 million is guaranteed. (RELATED: Stefon Diggs To Sign With Washington Commanders In Blockbuster Move: REPORT)

Gibbs has 3,580 career rushing yards in his first three NFL seasons, as well as 49 total touchdowns, which is the most in league history for players in their first three years. And get this, the previous record-holder for that mark?

Detroit legend Barry Sanders, who had 47 TDs in his first three campaigns.

It’s crazy how fast things change in the NFL.

Not even that long ago, teams were incredibly hesitant to pay running backs big money. Remember, this is the same reason why Saquon Barkley left the New York Giants for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Now, we have three running backs (Gibbs, Atlanta Falcons’ Bijan Robinson and Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor) getting $20 million-plus a year contracts in the same week.

And going back to Saquon, I’m thinking that’s why we had such a quick turnaround, because what franchise would want to risk the embarrassment that the Giants went through after he left to win a Super Bowl with their rivals?

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Lessons were learned, that’s quite clear to me.