Bama Central

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Puts Pen to Paper on Rookie Deal

Former Alabama running back and first-round draft pick Jahmyr Gibbs signs his rookie deal with the Detroit Lions, locking him into Detroit for at least the next four seasons.

Wyatt Fulton

Junfu Han / USA TODAY Network
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With the opening of training camps looming, Monday was an important day in the NFL as teams had until 4 pm ET to sign long-term deals with franchise-tagged players, including several top running backs in the league. Former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs was among the names who did not sign a long-term extension today. 

Meanwhile, a running back who did sign a deal today was former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. According to the Detroit Free Press, the four-year deal was for $17.845 million, including a $9.978 million signing bonus, and the traditional fifth-year team option. 

Gibbs joined Will Anderson Jr as the Crimson Tide's first-round picks who have signed their rookie contracts. Lions teammate Brian Branch and Panther quarterback Bryce Young are among those who have yet to reach an agreement with their new teams. 

Gibbs was drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Lions following a 1-year stint as an electric playmaker out of the backfield for the Crimson Tide. Gibbs originally began his college career at Georgia Tech, tallying 1974 total yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns with the Yellow Jackets before transferring to Alabama in the spring of 2022. With the Crimson Tide, Gibbs totaled 1,370 total yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. 

Gibbs was the second running back drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft behind former Texas and now Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. 

After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2022, the Detroit Lions are hopeful that a playmaker such as Gibbs can help push their team into the postseason. With the NFC North looking as wide open as ever, Detroit's time to strike could be as early as this year. 

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Wyatt Fulton
WYATT FULTON

Wyatt Fulton is an intern for BamaCentral since February 2023, and is a current graduate student at the University of Alabama. Wyatt graduated from the University of Mobile with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and History in December 2022.