Jahmyr Gibbs Is Set for a Big Payday: What His Fifth-Year Option Means for the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have spent the last two years quietly putting together a squad that doesn't just compete—it dominates. And right in the middle of that transformation, both on the scoreboard and in the merchandise shops, is Jahmyr Gibbs. With the NFL's fifth-year option figures now set for the 2023 first-round draft class, the front office's dedication to Gibbs isn't just a rumour from Allen Park anymore; it's a financial reality.
The Cost of Game-Changing Ability
Walk into any sports bar in Michigan on a Sunday, and you'll hear the same debate: running backs don't get second contracts. But Gibbs isn't a "running back" in the usual sense—he's a strategic weapon. That's why the Lions are almost sure to pick up his fifth-year option for 2027, a figure expected to be just under $7 million for a player with his versatile skills. It's a steal for someone who can change the game with every touch, and it signals a bigger plan: Detroit wants Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch leading this team for the next ten years.
From College Fandom to Collector's Treasure
The business surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs goes way beyond the salary cap. Spend five minutes browsing on eBay or visit the pro shop at Ford Field, and you'll see clear proof of his star appeal. Fans who watched him tear apart SEC defences still proudly wear their Nike Alabama Crimson Tide Jahmyr Gibbs #1 jersey on game days, but the real excitement is around Lions-specific merchandise. The officially licensed Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery Dual Gamebreaker Bobblehead has become the must-have item for NFC North collectors—grab it fast if you spot one in stores, because it won't be around long. For the serious collector, a Jahmyr Gibbs Detroit Lions autographed 2024 Riddell Speed Mini Helmet is the ultimate prize, an item that's already increasing in value faster than most top investments. And let's not forget the trading card enthusiasts: the 2023 Panini Donruss Football Bomb Squad Jahmyr Gibbs BS-26 rookie card is being pulled, graded, and traded at a speed that mirrors the Lions' own quick rise.
Why You Invest in This Player
I've covered this league long enough to know that paying a running back is usually a bad move. But Gibbs is different. He's a wide receiver in a running back's body, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (or whoever eventually takes that role) uses him with surgical precision. Pair that with the power of David Montgomery, and you have a backfield that defensive coordinators truly fear. The Lions' leadership—Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell—have been clear: they want these players around. Securing Gibbs now, before the market goes up again, isn't just smart football; it's smart business.
Here's a quick look at why Gibbs has become the hottest commodity in Detroit:
- Jersey sales: The Nike Alabama Crimson Tide #1 is still a top seller in college shops, while his Lions jersey regularly ranks in the NFL's top 20 among offensive players.
- Collectibles: The Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery Dual Gamebreaker Bobblehead is already a hot item on the secondary market, often listed at twice its original price.
- Autographed gear: The 2024 Riddell Speed Mini Helmet, signed and authenticated, has become a fixture at high-end sports memorabilia auctions.
- Trading cards: The Panini Donruss Bomb Squad BS-26 is the rookie card every Detroit collector is searching for, with PSA 10 graded copies selling for top dollar.
The Bottom Line
The NFL is a cold, calculated business. But every so often, a player comes along who makes teams throw out the old game plan. Jahmyr Gibbs is that player. Whether it's the guaranteed money from his fifth-year option or the earnings from his booming merchandise sales, one thing is clear: Jahmyr Gibbs isn't just a part of the Lions' future—he's the driving force. And in Detroit, that force just got a whole lot more valuable.