In a surprising twist, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has reportedly expressed a condition under which he would consider a trade from the team that drafted him. Drafted 12th overall in 2023, Gibbs quickly became a core piece in Detroit’s offensive resurgence. However, sources close to the situation indicate that Gibbs would only accept a trade if it places him in a system where he can be a true feature back, rather than splitting touches.
Since arriving in Detroit, Gibbs has shared the backfield with David Montgomery, often taking on a complementary role despite showcasing explosive playmaking ability and elite versatility. While the Lions’ dual-back approach has yielded success, including a playoff push, Gibbs is said to desire a larger individual workload to fully showcase his talents and secure a long-term future as a premier NFL running back.
Gibbs’ condition isn’t a demand to leave but rather a strategic vision for his career. He reportedly respects the Lions’ culture and coaching staff but believes his ceiling as a dynamic weapon is limited in a shared-role scheme. If Detroit does consider trading him, Gibbs wants it to be to a team where he would be the focal point of the offense — ideally one that emphasizes the run game and utilizes running backs as multipurpose threats in the passing game.
At just 23, Gibbs’ prime is still ahead. Whether Detroit adapts to feature him more prominently or moves him for value remains to be seen, but the message is clear: Gibbs wants to lead.
Leave a Reply