Lions Sign RB Jahmyr Gibbs

The Lions came to terms on contract with 2023 first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Detroit Lions have signed first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. The Alabama product is the seventh member of Detroit's rookie class to ink a deal. 

The only draftee who remains unsigned is Alabama DB Brian Branch.

The Lions drafted Gibbs 12th overall, and then showcased their commitment and belief in him by trading away incumbent No. 2 running back D'Andre Swift. 

According to NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell, "Gibbs is special – changing speeds and going from 0-60 in a heartbeat with the acceleration and speed to beat pursuit angles and then run away from the defense. Gibbs brings both a sustaining and explosive dimension to an NFL offense with his desirable combination of running and receiving traits. Gibbs is the most purely explosive back in this draft class making him an impact game changer that can be deployed in multiple ways when you factor in his pass catching ability."

On tape, Gibbs is as dynamic as they come. He's a versatile weapon who can make plays in the run game and as a receiver. He totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his last two seasons. 

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs :: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

"Gibbs' 2021 Georgia Tech tape and 2022 Alabama tape showed a back with high-level traits and a complete skill set to be a three down back at the next level," Cosell told the team's website. "While it is not likely he will be a foundation volume runner at the next level, Gibbs showed the explosive traits that get coaches excited with both sudden lateral agility and quickness in confined space and smooth and fluid almost subtle shiftiness at the second and third levels of the defense to make defenders miss without losing quickness and speed."

The running back began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, where he ran for 1,206 yards and eight touchdowns. He transferred to Alabama prior to the 2022 season. In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 1,370 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. 

Gibbs is a part of a new-look running backs room in Detroit. Last year's starters, Jamaal Williams and Swift, both found new teams in the offseason. The Lions are moving forward with the rookie and free-agent acquisition David Montgomery.