By Sunday 
It’s not official yet, but if you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you’ve got one more reason to smile today: Jahmyr Gibbs might be sticking around for a long time.
A Quiet Hint Becomes a Big Signal
No flashy press release. No overhyped tweet. Just a quiet mention tucked into Detroit Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett’s latest mailbag. When answering a question about a potential trade for Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, Birkett casually dropped a juicy nugget about Detroit’s real plans.
“They intend to pay Aidan Hutchinson, Gibbs and several more of their own draft picks and don’t have that kind of money allocated to a second defensive end.”
Boom. With one line, Birkett suggests the Lions already see Gibbs as part of their long-term blueprint.
So… When Would This Happen?
Don’t expect any fireworks this summer. Gibbs is only heading into Year 3 of his rookie deal, and NFL teams usually wait until after a player’s third season to begin serious contract extension talks—especially with first-round picks. That means any real negotiating won’t start until after the 2025 season.
How much the Lions will offer (and how much Gibbs will ask for) is still a mystery. The running back market has been tricky lately—just ask any fantasy football manager who’s tried to guess which back will even get paid anymore.
Why the Lions Might Be Ready to Invest
Even with market uncertainty, the intention to pay Gibbs says a lot. Since arriving in Detroit, he’s been electric. He’s not just another guy in the backfield—he’s become a key piece of Ben Johnson’s offense. Explosive, elusive, and reliable, Gibbs brings a dynamic playstyle that you just don’t casually replace.
This isn’t about sentiment. It’s about value—and Detroit clearly sees Gibbs as someone they want in the building long term.
Final Thoughts
No contract yet. No timeline nailed down. But the signs are there: Jahmyr Gibbs could be a Lion for years to come. And for fans who’ve watched this team carefully build something special over the past few seasons, that’s just more confirmation that the front office knows exactly what it’s doing.
Keep your eye on this one—it’s going to get interesting after 2025.