Overview
- Gibbs has been at the Lions’ Allen Park facility but has not taken part in on-field drills and missed his fifth straight practice on Monday while contract negotiations continue.
- When asked about a return to practice, Gibbs gave brief, cryptic answers including “Only time will tell” and denied that his absence was solely about getting a new deal.
- NFL insiders, including Ian Rapoport, say talks between Gibbs and the Lions are active and that the organization intends to extend him while the two sides negotiate timing and value.
- A reported three-year, roughly $22.25 million-per-year extension for Bijan Robinson has reset the running back market above $20 million per year and raises Gibbs’ leverage and the urgency of talks.
- The Lions previously picked up Gibbs’ fifth-year option and must balance his extension with other team priorities, and coaches say a minor back issue has been noted but is not considered severe.