The Detroit Lions are getting closer to training camp, but one of the biggest questions surrounding the team has nothing to do with scheme, injuries, or roster battles.
It centers on Jahmyr Gibbs and his contract.
Former Lions offensive lineman and current radio host Jon Jansen believes there is a real possibility Gibbs could miss the beginning of training camp if he does not receive a new deal before practices begin.
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Jahmyr Gibbs Could Consider a Hold-In or Holdout
Speaking on Lions flagship radio, Jansen suggested Gibbs may decide not to practice until his contract situation is resolved.
“There is a chance that Jahmyr Gibbs is looking at running back deals, the contracts that the Lions have handed out, when they’ve handed them out, and says, ‘I’m next in line, and if I don’t get my contract before camp, I may be a hold-in, or a hold-out,’” Jansen said. “However you want to talk about not practicing, until he gets a new deal.”
A hold-in would mean Gibbs reports to the team facility but does not participate in practice. A holdout would mean he stays away entirely.
Jansen later added that people close to the organization would not be surprised if Gibbs missed a few days.
“I have heard it from sources close to the team, where I don’t think anybody would be surprised if he missed a couple of days,” Jansen said.
Detroit Has Already Committed to Gibbs as Its Lead Back
The Lions made their feelings about Gibbs clear earlier this offseason when they traded David Montgomery.
That move elevated Gibbs into the unquestioned lead role in Detroit’s backfield and placed even more importance on his availability for the 2026 season.
Gibbs has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and has established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive players. Reports around the league have suggested that his next contract could approach $20 million per season, which would place him near the top of the running back market.
Jansen understands why Gibbs may believe the time is right to secure a new deal.
“I understand where he’s coming from, I also understand where the Lions are coming from in regards to possibly waiting it out, see what he looks like after a year of being the bell-cow,” Jansen said. “But they’ve made that comment. They got rid of David Montgomery. They need him now, more than ever, for the success of this season.”
The Lions Still Have Time on Their Side
Gibbs is not entering the final year of his contract.
Detroit exercised his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, giving the organization two more years of team control. That reduces the immediate pressure on general manager Brad Holmes to complete an extension before training camp.
Still, the Lions have shown a willingness to reward cornerstone players early.
Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kerby Joseph all signed extensions during the spring of their respective contract years. Jack Campbell, another member of Detroit’s highly successful 2023 draft class, has already agreed to a four-year extension.
The Lions have also completed major deals during the season. Alim McNeill signed his extension in October 2024, while Aidan Hutchinson received his new contract in October 2025.
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Bijan Robinson Could Complicate the Market
Gibbs is not the only high-profile running back from the 2023 draft class seeking a long-term contract.
Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson is also eligible for an extension, and the two negotiations could be connected. Each player may prefer to wait for the other to sign first, then use that deal as leverage for an even larger contract.
That dynamic could delay both agreements.
For Detroit, the question becomes whether the organization is comfortable paying Gibbs now or would rather evaluate him after a full season as the primary back.
Missing Camp Would Create Mixed Feelings
Gibbs missing practice would not be ideal for a Lions offense preparing to operate under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Training camp reps would help Gibbs adjust to the new system and build continuity with the rest of the offense. At the same time, there is an argument that limiting his workload in July and August could keep him fresh for the regular season.
Radio co-host Jim Costa said he would have no issue with Gibbs avoiding unnecessary preseason contact.
“If they drew the line in the sand of, ‘Hey, we’re not paying him this year,’ I think that would be wise. See how he holds up,” Costa said. “If Jahmyr’s response is, ‘Well, I’m not gonna take any unnecessary risks in the preseason,’ to that I say, ‘Cool. I’m on the same side as you are.’ I don’t want Gibbs taking unnecessary bumps and bruises in the preseason. Bubble wrap him and have him ready for the Saints.”
Detroit Has Options Behind Gibbs
If Gibbs misses any portion of training camp, newly signed running back Isiah Pacheco would likely handle the majority of first-team work.
Sione Vaki could also receive an expanded opportunity as he enters his third NFL season.
Neither player can fully replicate Gibbs’ speed, receiving ability or big-play potential, but both would benefit from additional practice reps if Detroit’s lead back is temporarily unavailable.
The situation does not appear headed toward a prolonged standoff, but Jansen’s comments suggest Lions fans should at least prepare for the possibility that Gibbs is not on the field when training camp begins.
For a team with Super Bowl expectations, getting one of its most important offensive players signed and fully involved would eliminate one of the few major uncertainties surrounding the roster.