By Blessing 
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is preparing for a bigger and more versatile role in 2025 — one that might finally unlock his full potential as more than just a backfield threat.
Speaking at a youth football camp this week, Gibbs opened up about a noticeable shift in how the Lions plan to use him next season. For the first time in his NFL career, he says he’ll be lining up outside far more frequently than before.
“I gotta learn the formations for being split out,” Gibbs explained. “I’m being split out like way more than I was the past two years. That’s good. That’s going to be fun. I’ve been waiting on that.”
From the day Detroit drafted him 12th overall in 2023, the plan was never to use Gibbs like a traditional running back. In fact, general manager Brad Holmes made that clear when he defended the high draft pick, framing Gibbs as more of an all-around offensive weapon.
“He’s a weapon,” Holmes said on draft night. “Obviously, he can do it all as a runner, but what he can do as a receiver and a lot of other things… his versatility, what he’s going to bring to the offense — we’re really excited about [it].”
While there was early buzz last season about expanding his usage out wide, those plans took a backseat after Gibbs suffered an injury during training camp, limiting his ability to work into that role.
Despite the setback, Gibbs still improved as a pass-catcher in 2024, matching his rookie total with 52 receptions — but increasing his yardage to 517, up from 316 the year before. However, according to PFF, he actually spent less time lined up as a receiver last season (83 snaps out of 690 total) compared to his rookie campaign (100 out of 681 snaps).
Now, with new offensive coordinator John Morton taking over, it seems Gibbs’ role is about to evolve — perhaps dramatically. If the Lions fully commit to using him both in the backfield and on the perimeter, his dream of hitting the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving might finally become a reality.
Lions fans hoping for a more explosive, unpredictable offense may be looking at Gibbs as the key to unlocking that next level.