Projecting a market-resetting extension for RB Jahmyr Gibbs and its impact on Lions' salary cap through 2030
Allen Park — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has made it clear that he hopes to get extensions done with the first four selections of the team’s 2023 draft class: Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta.
It’s the primary reason the Lions didn’t go on a spending spree in free agency, only reaching a multi-year agreement with one player, center Cade Mays. The team’s remaining cap space, largely the result of $32 million created by a simple restructure of quarterback Jared Goff’s contract, is earmarked for the quartet of extensions, which should all be at or near the top of the market for the players’ respective positions.
Holmes hasn’t place a timetable on the deals, and the general manager’s history tells us they could get done at almost any time. The team has worked out large extensions during the offseason, the eve of the season opener, and in the case of the most recent — Aidan Hutchinson’s four-year, $180 million pact — in the middle of the campaign.
On the earlier end of that timeframe, the Lions negotiated extensions with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell just days ahead of the 2024 draft. So, it wouldn't be unusual for the team to get one or more deals done this month.
Recognizing that possibility, allow me to kickstart an annual attempt to project those potential contracts, starting with the first of the four from that draft class, Gibbs.