Jahmyr Gibbs Sits Out Lions Practice as Contract Talks Continue

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions entering training camp has quickly moved to the forefront.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs did not participate in the Lions’ first training camp practice as discussions surrounding a potential long-term contract extension continue. Gibbs has reported to training camp, but his absence from practice appears to be contract-related rather than injury-related.

That distinction is important.

Gibbs was not among the players Detroit placed on the Physically Unable to Perform or Non-Football Injury lists, making his absence different from players who are currently sidelined because of medical issues.

A potential “hold-in” in Detroit

In today’s NFL, players seeking new contracts increasingly report to training camp but refrain from practicing while negotiations continue — commonly referred to as a hold-in.

That appears to be the situation worth watching with Gibbs, although neither Gibbs nor the Lions have publicly characterized his absence that way.

The possibility didn’t come completely out of nowhere. Before camp, former Lions offensive lineman and current radio analyst Jon Jansen reported that Gibbs could consider not practicing without a new contract.

Now, with Gibbs sitting out Detroit’s first practice, the pressure surrounding those negotiations has increased.

Lions have Gibbs under contract

Detroit isn’t facing an immediate deadline to keep Gibbs.

The Lions exercised the fifth-year option on the former No. 12 overall pick this offseason, keeping him under team control through the 2027 season.

That gives Detroit leverage from a contractual standpoint, but Gibbs’ performance has also positioned him to command one of the largest running back contracts in football.

Through his first three NFL seasons, Gibbs has rushed for 3,580 yards and 39 touchdowns, while adding 1,449 receiving yards and 10 receiving scores. He’s also earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

Those numbers have transformed Gibbs from a controversial first-round selection in 2023 into one of the centerpieces of Detroit’s offense.

Is a deal getting closer?

There is reason for Lions fans to watch this situation closely without sounding the alarm.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has indicated there has been movement toward a potential agreement, while Detroit has made its desire to keep Gibbs long term clear.

For now, Gibbs is in camp — just not on the practice field.

Whether that lasts one practice, several days or longer will depend on how quickly the two sides can bridge the remaining gap.

For Detroit, getting Gibbs back on the field with a new contract would eliminate one of the biggest potential distractions of training camp.

For Gibbs, this may be his opportunity to secure the long-term payday his first three seasons have put him in position to receive.

MCSN will continue monitoring Gibbs’ contract negotiations throughout Lions training camp.