By Sunday 
If there’s one thing the can’t afford right now, it’s hesitation.
Because according to , the running back market isn’t just warming up — it’s about to erupt.
⏳ The Countdown Has Already Started
On his podcast, Schefter didn’t mince words:
“Bijan Robinson, gonna cash in. Jahmyr Gibbs, gonna cash in. De’Von Achane, gonna cash in.”
Translation? The bag is coming… and it’s coming fast.
For , it’s not a question of if he gets paid — it’s when. And for the Lions, that “when” could make all the difference between a smart deal and an expensive regret.
💸 First Mover Advantage Is Real
Here’s the tricky part: whoever signs first between Gibbs and might actually set the market.
Wait too long, and suddenly you’re not negotiating — you’re reacting.
We’ve already seen this movie play out with resetting expectations at wide receiver. One massive deal, and boom — everyone else’s price goes up.
If that happens at running back, the Lions could be looking at a much steeper bill than they bargained for.
🧮 The Cap Crunch Is Coming
Let’s not forget — Detroit has other mouths to feed.
With deals already done for and , and future extensions looming for names like and , every dollar matters.
Saving even a small chunk now could mean:
- Adding depth later
- Keeping a key role player
- Avoiding tough roster cuts down the line
In other words, this isn’t just about Gibbs — it’s about roster balance for years to come.
🏈 The “Low-Value RB” Narrative Is Fading
For years, paying running backs big money felt like bad business.
Not anymore.
Players like Gibbs and Robinson are changing that narrative. They’re not just runners — they’re offensive weapons. Game-breakers. Mismatch nightmares.
Teams are noticing too:
- grabbed Ashton Jeanty high in the draft
- star Jeremiyah Love is already projected as a future top pick
The message is clear: elite RBs are back in demand.
⚡ “Gotta Go Fast”… Seriously
There’s also a bit of a chess match happening behind the scenes.
Gibbs’ camp could wait for Robinson to sign first and push the price higher. Meanwhile, the Lions might want to strike early and lock in a “discount” before the market explodes.
Either way, one thing is obvious — this isn’t a situation where patience pays off.
It’s one where speed does.
🧠 Final Thought
A Jahmyr Gibbs extension today might feel expensive.
But a few months from now?
It could look like a bargain.
And in the NFL, the difference between “overpaid” and “great value” is often just timing.