The Detroit Lions have big expectations for the 2026 season, after agreeing to a contract extension with running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is now getting a challenge from his head coach, Dan Campbell, during the team’s training camp.
“We’re going to push him. We’re going to push him because we think this kid can be one of the best,” Campbell said, per The 33rd Team. “….We’ve only scratched the surface of him.”
#Lions HC Dan Campbell says RB Jahmyr Gibbs has “only scratched the surface” and they’re prepared to “push him” this season.
Campbell believes Gibbs can be one of the best, if not the best, and they want to see how far they can take him.
https://t.co/C7s0echYKq pic.twitter.com/xdkh2Dsl7U— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 9, 2026
Gibbs has been a valuable piece in the Lions offense, these last few years. During the 2025 season, the running back posted 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. It was his second consecutive season rushing for more than 1,000 yards.
The Lions star recently signed a contract extension worth $67.5 million. Gibbs is ready to focus now on football.
“This process has been extremely stressful. I just wanted to play ball,” Gibbs said, per ESPN. “I missed being out there with my teammates and coaches and it’s just fun being out there now with my pads and stuff on. It just feels a lot better.
“It was really hard, but it’s a business and stuff is just gotta get done. But, yeah, it was really hard.”
Gibbs and the Lions’ running backs will have to carry even more of a load on offense. It was announced on Sunday that Detroit was losing veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. That means that the Lions will have to do what they can to protect starter Jared Goff. The team doesn’t have a lot of depth in the quarterback room, and Bridgewater was supposed to back up Goff this season.
Detroit starts their NFL preseason games on August 13. The Lions take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit finished the 2025 season missing the playoffs, after posting a 9-8 record.
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