Jahmyr Gibbs’ hold-in for a new contract officially enters Week 2 on Thursday, as the Detroit Lions will participate in their seventh training camp practice this offseason. Thus far, there have been no tangible signs of progress between the Lions and Gibbs, but there haven’t been any reports of stagnation or sticking points with negotiations, either.
Really, all the evidence we have about negotiations are the scant details we’re getting from the team itself. Both Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have expressed public interest in getting a deal done, and on Wednesday, Holmes said they are engaged in talks. So this isn’t a situation in which the Lions are refusing to pay Gibbs or closed to any talks.
However, there have been a few signs that are relatively discouraging. A week ago, Campbell said he “wasn’t sweating” Gibbs’ hold-in, but he also admitted he was surprised the contract hasn’t been finalized yet.
“I thought we’d have been done by now,” Campbell said.
On Wednesday, Holmes told SiriusXM they’re “having dialogue” with Gibbs, but his body language did not scream optimistic, and when reassured by the radio host that it’ll get done, his response was an uninspiring “that’s the hope.”
So today’s Question of the Day is:
What’s your concern level regarding Jahmyr Gibbs’ hold-in?
My answer: I’m still pretty low. Let’s call it a 2/10 total.
Admittedly, we’re entering uncharted territory with the Lions. Any time they’ve publicly expressed an interest in extending a player, they’ve been able to do so in a very timely manner. So, on the surface, it’s a bit concerning that’s not how negotiations are going this time around. Additionally, I figured as soon as Bijan Robinson signed his three-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons, that Gibbs’ deal would come about almost immediately. It’s been around 48 hours since, and all has been quiet.
That all being said, I’m still not that concerned. We’re still very early in training camp, and while I’d certainly like Gibbs to be out there in a new offense with a new offensive line, there is more than enough time for him to enter the picture and be ready by Week 1.
I trust that Gibbs’ appearance at practices is a sign of good faith and no ill-will, and I do expect the Robinson deal to move things along relatively quickly. And with Campbell’s mostly-optimistic comments on the situation, I’m assuming things will be just fine. Simply put, if Campbell isn’t sweating it, there’s no reason I should be.
That said, if we’re beyond the first preseason game and Gibbs is still sidelined, that’s when the worry starts to creep up into the 4-6 range, and if we’re nearing the end of preseason, that’s when I’d jump to a 8-10.
But, for now, it’s early. It’s okay to be patient here.
What is your concern level for the Jahmyr Gibbs contract negotiations? Vote in the poll below and share your extended thoughts in the comment section.
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