Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was absent from the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday, July 29. His absence appears to be a “hold-in” as he seeks a new contract, according to reports.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes did not comment on Gibbs’ situation, and the organization did not provide a reason for his absence from the field. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Gibbs was not among the injured players he updated before practice. Gibbs had reported to camp with his teammates over the weekend.
Gibbs has two years remaining on his rookie contract, with the Lions having exercised a fifth-year option this spring. He is scheduled to earn $1.145 million this fall, along with a $2.038 million roster bonus. This amount is considered significantly below market value for a player of his standing.
Contract Negotiations Underway
When asked about the urgency to finalize a deal for Gibbs, Campbell stated, “We’ll take this as it comes.” He added, “This is both sides working through something and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s where it is.” Gibbs had previously indicated in the spring that he was leaving all contractual matters to his agent, Todd France, who did not return a request for comment.
Saquon Barkley currently holds the record as the NFL’s highest-paid running back, with a contract averaging $20.6 million annually. He is the only running back in the league earning more than $20 million per year. Gibbs is reportedly seeking a contract in a similar financial range.
A comparable situation is unfolding with Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, also a first-round pick from the 2023 draft. Robinson, who has also emerged as a top running back, was reportedly in uniform but not participating in practice at the Falcons’ training camp on Wednesday.
Gibbs’ Role and Team Impact
Gibbs led the Lions in rushing last season, finishing seventh in the NFL with 1,223 yards. In his first three seasons, he has accumulated 3,580 rushing yards and 49 career touchdowns. The 12th pick of the 2023 draft, Gibbs is expected to take on a larger workload this fall following the trade of his former backfield partner, David Montgomery, to the Houston Texans during the offseason.
Campbell noted in June that Gibbs would be the team’s “bell cow” and that the team would “hang our hat on him quite a bit.” He emphasized that the team plans to utilize Gibbs in ways that highlight his strengths.
During Wednesday’s practice, new backup Isiah Pacheco and third-year back Sione Vaki handled most of the first-team repetitions in Gibbs’ absence. Pacheco, who spent the past four years with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed with the Lions this offseason to provide a power running option behind Gibbs. Vaki has primarily played on special teams in the NFL, having played safety in college.
Pacheco mentioned he has been in contact with Gibbs, stating that Gibbs is “doing good.” He expressed anticipation for Gibbs’ return, saying, “I’m excited to have fun with him.”
A similar “hold-in” situation occurred last year when then-Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone missed the first five days of training camp before finalizing a reworked contract that included more guaranteed money and easier-to-reach incentives, though no additional years. Anzalone became a free agent after the season and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March.
Source: eu.freep.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.