Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as he seeks a lucrative contract extension. While the team has not explicitly confirmed the absence stems from a contract dispute, head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the ongoing negotiations as the star back enters his fourth NFL season.
Contract Drama Overshadows Lions Training Camp Opening
The Detroit Lions officially opened training camp in Allen Park, Michigan, on Wednesday, Coach Dan Campbell speaks before the Detroit Lions open training camp in Allen Park. However, the most notable storyline on the field was a conspicuous absence.
Gibbs was present at the facility and reported for camp over the weekend, but he remained sidelined during the team workout. Crucially, the running back was not listed on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform or Non-Football-Injury list, strongly indicating that his absence is entirely contract-related rather than physical. Earlier in the offseason, radio host Jon Jansen suggested a Gibbs absence could materialize, noting that multiple sources close to the team anticipated the star might miss time.
Dan Campbell Responds to Negotiations
When pressed by reporters after the opening practice, head coach Dan Campbell offered a measured response regarding the running back’s contract status. The organization has maintained a tight-lipped stance, with general manager Brad Holmes declining comment, but Campbell made it clear that both sides are actively working through the process.
“You guys know how we feel about Gibbs. … And so, we’ll take this as it comes. This’ll kind of continue. It’ll come as it comes, I think that’s the best way to say it. So, this is both sides working through something, and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s what it is.”
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions Coach
Gibbs is currently under contract for the upcoming season, and the Lions already exercised his fifth-year option for 2027. Under his current rookie deal, he is scheduled to make $1.145 million this fall, alongside a $2.038 million roster bonus—figures that sit far below the true market value for a player of his production.
The Running Back Market Set to Explode
Gibbs is not alone in his pursuit of financial security. Across the league, elite offensive playmakers from the 2023 draft class are seeking new compensation tiers. In Atlanta, Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson—selected four picks ahead of Gibbs at No. 8 overall—was also not participating in practice while awaiting a new deal.
The current positional market is anchored by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who leads the league with a salary paying him $20.6 million annually. San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey sits second at $19 million per season, while Miami Dolphins back De’Von Achane is third at $16 million. Both Gibbs and Robinson are positioned to shatter those figures, with analysts projecting asking prices to reach $25 million per season as both backs will likely completely reset the market at the position.
Expanded Workload and Roster Adjustments
The urgency for a long-term deal is underscored by Gibbs’ immense value to the Detroit offense. Over his first three seasons, the 24-year-old has rushed for 3,580 yards, including 1,223 yards last season. His 49 career touchdowns represent the most by any player through his first three years in NFL history. With the Lions trading longtime backfield partner David Montgomery to the Houston Texans this offseason, Campbell acknowledged that he’s going to be our bell cow now.
In Gibbs’ absence during Wednesday’s practice, newly arrived running back Isiah Pacheco and third-year back Sione Vaki absorbed the majority of the first-team repetitions. Pacheco, who signed this offseason after spending four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, noted that he remains in regular contact with his absent teammate. I’m not sure what’s going on but I know that he’s ready to work and whenever his time comes and he’s out here I know that we’re going to roll,
Pacheco said after practice.
Timeline and What Lies Ahead
While the business side of football plays out, league observers anticipate a resolution in the near future. Adam Schefter reported that the Gibbs thing could be relatively quick, indicating that movement within the running back market is expected to accelerate over the coming week plus. For now, both the franchise and the player must navigate the delicate balance of training camp preparations while active contract discussions continue behind closed doors.
