The Detroit Lions are preparing for significant adjustments following their complete absence from the 2025 playoffs. Head coach Dan Campbell has initiated a coaching overhaul on offense, with the primary focus now shifting toward reshaping the player roster. A pivotal move came Monday when veteran running back David Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans, opening the door for rising star Jahmyr Gibbs to potentially secure a long-term deal with the Lions.
As Gibbs’s role expanded during the season, Montgomery‘s playing time decreased, making his departure likely. Detroit’s decision to part ways with Montgomery could create salary cap space allowing the team to invest heavily in Gibbs moving forward.
Jahmyr Gibbs Expected to Receive Significant Contract Extension
Detroit faced criticism in 2023 after signing Montgomery in free agency and then selecting Gibbs 12th overall in the draft, creating an unusual running back tandem. However, Montgomery and Gibbs quickly formed one of the NFL’s most effective backfield partnerships, with Montgomery handling power runs and Gibbs serving as the team’s speed-focused offensive weapon.
During their first two seasons together, both players exceeded 1,000 total yards, with Gibbs leading the league in 2024 by scoring 16 rushing touchdowns. Despite this success, the 2025 season saw Montgomery’s touches steadily diminish in favor of Gibbs, leading to public frustration from Montgomery himself.
Now with the Houston Texans expected to make Montgomery their lead back, the Lions can redirect their resources. NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport noted the Lions are likely to re-sign Gibbs to a lucrative deal.
(Gibbs) stays, probably to get a huge contract extension,
Rapoport said on Good Morning Football.
Jahmyr Gibbs, no doubt one of the pillars of the Lions offense for the next several years. Gonna get a huge deal, needed to clear some money to do that.
— Ian Rapoport, NFL insider
Front Office Positioned to Focus on Gibbs After Roster Shift
The Lions have the option to extend Gibbs’s rookie contract for a fifth year, which affords them a couple of additional seasons before renegotiating a longer-term deal. Given Gibbs’s high output and versatile threat as both a runner and receiver, Detroit is motivated to secure his future with the franchise sooner rather than later.
Although the running back market traditionally does not command top-tier salaries, players with diverse offensive impact like Gibbs stand out as exceptions. With the team likely to increase his workload following Montgomery’s exit, making Gibbs feel valued with a new contract is a priority for Detroit’s front office.
While the Lions face multiple pressing challenges on their roster, addressing Gibbs’s contract situation is expected to be a key offseason focus that could shape the team’s offensive identity for years to come.
From @GMFB: The #Texans started off the week with a bang, swinging two big-time trades. pic.twitter.com/7qOKfvCwBP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026
