Story perspectives

Lions Exercise $14.3M Option on Gibbs Amid Holdout

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jahmyr Gibbs missed his fifth practice on Aug 3, holding out for a new contract.
He told reporters only time will tell his return and said it’s not about the deal.
Coach Dan Campbell said he isn’t sweating Gibbs’ absence, calling it both sides working through something.
The Lions exercised Gibbs’ fifth-year option, guaranteeing $14.3 million in 2027, while Spotrac projects a three-year, $20.2 million-per-year extension, the highest for any running back.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL introduced its first hard salary cap, set at $33.8 million per team, forcing owners to reshape contracts. The move foreshadowed similar league-wide controls, as the NHL’s 2005 collective-bargaining agreement, championed by Commissioner Gary Bettman, instituted a hard cap after the 2004-05 lockout. Both caps reflect a broader shift toward revenue-share limits on player spending.

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Story summary

Jahmyr Gibbs missed his fifth practice on Aug 3, holding out for a new contract.
He told reporters only time will tell his return and said it’s not about the deal.
Coach Dan Campbell said he isn’t sweating Gibbs’ absence, calling it both sides working through something.
The Lions exercised Gibbs’ fifth-year option, guaranteeing $14.3 million in 2027, while Spotrac projects a three-year, $20.2 million-per-year extension, the highest for any running back.

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