Lions make obvious Jahmyr Gibbs fifth-year option decision

While the Detroit Lions had a fairly disappointing 2026 season, they are still loaded with young talent that they hope helps them compete for a Super Bowl in the years to come. Jahmyr Gibbs is at the top of that list, as the former first-round pick has quickly become one of the best running backs in football during his first few seasons in the league.

Now, it’s time for the Lions to start thinking about how they will keep Gibbs in Detroit for the long term. They took step one in that pursuit on Tuesday, picking up Gibbs’ fifth-year option on the end of his rookie contract, per Dan Miller of Fox2 Detroit.

Gibbs will play out the final year of his four-year deal in 2026, and then he will play under the fifth-year option in 2027 if he and the Lions are unable to come to a contract extension. However, for someone as productive and important as Gibbs is to the team, a market-setting extension is still overwhelmingly likely before the 2027 season at the latest.

After playing a supporting role and still putting up good numbers as a rookie in 2023, Gibbs was incredibly productive in 2024 and 2025. He eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons while also topping 500 receiving yards in each of them. During that time, Gibbs has found the end zone 38 times.

While the value of running backs was in the gutter years ago, the position has seen a bit of a resurgence in its value over the last few years. Having a running back, especially one that can contribute in both the running game and the passing game like Gibbs can, can really unlock the best version of an offense. That was the case in 2024 when the Lions had arguably the best offense in football.

Now, David Montgomery is gone after a trade to the Houston Texans. As a result, Gibbs will be forced to carry an even heavier burden in the Detroit offense in 2026. Without the fifth-year option hanging over his head, this has a chance to be his best season yet.

The post Lions make obvious Jahmyr Gibbs fifth-year option decision appeared first on ClutchPoints.