Former Alabama RB becomes the highest-paid back in NFL history

Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

On Thursday, the Detroit Lions and former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs reached an agreement to make Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Gibbs and the Lions agreed on a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed.

Gibbs was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions in 2023. They used the No. 12 overall pick to bring Gibbs to what was a loaded room of running backs, and now, Gibbs will be the guy in the Detroit backfield for the foreseeable future.

He’s made three Pro Bowls, and he broke Barry Sanders’ record for most scrimmage scores before turning 24 years old.

Training camp started a couple of days ago for the Lions, and Gibbs sat out of practice while waiting for a new deal to be done.

Gibbs getting this kind of deal adds more fuel to the argument that Alabama is “RBU”. The Crimson Tide have produced a handful of talented running backs, and many of them are playing significant ball today.

The Lions look to bounce back from a disappointing 9-8 season.