Lions’ Gibbs Set to Smash RB Market: Contract Extension Could Top Barkley & McCaffrey
The Detroit Lions are realizing running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a true difference-maker.
Against the New York Giants, the former 2023 first-round draft pick accounted for over 200 yards of total offense.
Gibbs finished with 219 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, as the Lions were able to avoid a setback by defeating the Giants at Ford Field.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the speedy running is eligible for a contract extension. There is a legitimate possibility Gibbs becomes the highest-paid running back in the history of the National Football League.
According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, "Jahmyr Gibbs' is eligible for a contract extension this coming offseason and it is going to be a large one."
Currently, Saquon Barkley of the Eagles earns $20.6 million annually, while Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers is bringing in $19 million per season.
Detroit's offense is currently struggling due to a variety of reasons, including the departure of Ben Johnson, Frank Ragnow retiring and Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties from new offensive coordinator John Morton.
Despite the struggles impacting Jared Goff and the offense, Gibbs has the potential on any given play to evade defenders and break long runs.
As NFL writer Kevin Patra explained, "When the offense was shuffling its feet, Gibbs hit turf in hyperdrive. A big play whenever he touches the pigskin, Gibbs’ ability to bounce off tackle, keep his feet, and run past the secondary was on full display. He generated runs of 69 yards, 49 yards, 49 yards, and 10 yards. Gibbs earned 184 yards and both rushing touchdowns on carries between the tackles, the most such yards by any player this season, per Next Gen Stats. Detroit’s offense needs to find more consistency against better teams, but as long as Gibbs is on the field, they’re in good hands."
General manager Brad Holmes has made it a priority to draft impactful players, develop them in the system and then offer them lucrative contract extensions, if they are able to be consistent performers.
“I mean, I wasn’t really thinking about carrying the team," Gibbs said postgame. "I just do whatever it takes to win, whatever they call me for, want me to do. So, that was really my mindset.”
The former Alabama Crimson Tide running back has also added the ability to catch the football out of the backfield.
"I think I’ve always been able to do that, it’s just opportunities," said Gibbs. "I think they trust me a little bit more to be doing a lot more stuff, so I appreciate them for letting me do that.”
Steelers Lose First Place in AFC North as Ravens Surge Back Into Control
After once appearing like runaway favorites to win the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have now lost their grasp on first place.
Upon losing 31-28 to the Chicago Bears in Week 12 with Aaron Rodgers out due to a wrist injury, the Steelers fell to 6-5 on the season. Simultaneously, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Jets at home by a score of 23-10, which extended their winning streak to five games while improving their record to 6-5.
Because Baltimore's 2-0 divisional record is better than Pittsburgh's at 2-1, the former currently holds the tiebreaker for first place. The Ravens were once 1-5 amidst Lamar Jackson's hamstring injury, but they now control their own destiny in the AFC North and have dethroned the Steelers for the time being.
How Did We Get Here?
Since taking down the Cleveland Browns in Week 6, Pittsburgh has gone just 2-4 with losses to the Cincinnati Bengals (Week 7), Green Bay Packers (Week 8), Los Angeles Chargers (Week 10) and Bears. Its wins during that span have come over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9, which still stands out as an impressive feat for the team, and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.
The Steelers have not won a true road game since they took down the New England Patriots in Week 3, and their last victory away from Acrisure Stadium came at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have turned things around with wins over the Bears, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Browns and Jets following their Week 7 bye, with Jackson playing in four of those five contests in his return from injury.
What Lies Ahead
With both the Bengals and Browns sitting at 3-8, the AFC North is a two-team race between the Steelers and Ravens for the second year in a row.
In 2024, Pittsburgh held a two-game lead on Baltimore entering Week 15 with a 10-3 record. From that point forward, however, it lost its last four regular season contests, which included a Week 16 defeat at the hands of the Ravens, and finished at 10-7.
Baltimore, meanwhile, went 12-5 and secured a first-place finish before beating the Steelers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
The two sides have yet to play one another this season, though their first matchup is set for Week 14 at M&T Bank Stadium. Ahead of that meeting in Week 13, Pittsburgh will face the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium while the Ravens will face off against the Bengals at home on Thanksgiving.
The last bout between Pittsburgh and Baltimore will come in the Week 18 regular season finale at Acrisure Stadium, which could carry huge implications for both the AFC North and the Wild Card race.
The Steelers are hoping to avoid the same fate that they suffered last season, but the momentum currently falls in favor of the Ravens. That doesn't mean there isn't time for Pittsburgh to flip it back onto its side, though.
