Jahmyr Gibbs Shocks Lions Fans with Trade Condition: What’s Next for Detroit?
Detroit, MI – On June 1, 2025, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs dropped a bombshell in an interview with The Athletic, revealing a condition under which he’d consider requesting a trade from the team that drafted him 12th overall in 2023. “I love Detroit, but if we’re not building toward a Super Bowl, I have to think about my future,” Gibbs said, sending shockwaves through a fanbase that’s pinned its hopes on the dynamic “Sonic” of the NFL’s top running back duo. As the Lions sit at 5-2 in 2025, what’s driving Gibbs’ surprising stance, and could Detroit lose its star?
Gibbs’ 2024 season was a breakout, with 1,412 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and a fifth-place league ranking, per Heavy.com. Paired with David Montgomery, dubbed “Thunder” to Gibbs’ “Lightning,” the duo powered Detroit to a 15-win season and an NFC Championship appearance. In 2025, Gibbs has continued his ascent, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and adding 24 receptions for 312 yards through seven games. His No. 0 jersey, switched from No. 26 this offseason, is a fan favorite, and his WrestleMania 41 appearance in April boosted his marketability.
Yet, Gibbs’ trade condition hinges on the Lions’ postseason success. “I want a ring,” he said, citing frustration with the team’s inability to close out big games, like their 2024 NFC Championship loss to San Francisco. The Lions’ 2025 offense, under new coordinator John Morton, remains potent, ranking fourth in yards per game (398.2). However, Montgomery’s return from a 2024 MCL injury has shifted carries, with Gibbs averaging 15 touches per game compared to 18 late last season. Some speculate Gibbs feels underutilized, especially after his 162.3 scrimmage yards per game in Weeks 16-18 of 2024 when Montgomery was sidelined.
New running backs coach Tashard Choice, who coached Gibbs at Georgia Tech, has pushed him harder, calling him “one of the smartest backs” he’s coached. But Choice’s strict approach, detailed in a May 2025 Sports Illustrated report, may be straining their bond. Gibbs’ social media activity also raised eyebrows, with a May 26 repost of “questionable content” sparking fan concern, though details remain vague. Posts on X reflect unease, with some fans fearing Gibbs’ trade talk signals deeper locker room issues.
The Lions face a delicate situation. Gibbs is under contract through 2026, with a fifth-year option for 2027, giving Detroit leverage. His market value, compared to recent deals like Saquon Barkley’s two-year, $41.2 million extension, suggests a future contract could exceed $20 million annually. Trading Gibbs, who tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, would be a gut punch, especially with Detroit’s Super Bowl window open. Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, in a May 2025 USA Today interview, called Gibbs and Montgomery the keys to a championship, noting their 11-0 record when both score in a game.
Potential trade suitors, like the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs, would salivate at Gibbs’ explosiveness, likened to Texas’ Jaydon Blue by ex-GM Ran Carthon. But Lions GM Brad Holmes, who’s locked in core players like Montgomery with a two-year extension, is unlikely to budge. Coach Dan Campbell, recovering from a minor hip procedure, emphasized Gibbs’ role: “Jahmyr’s our spark. He’s not going anywhere.”
As Detroit prepares for a Week 8 clash with the Green Bay Packers, Gibbs’ performance will be under a microscope. A deep playoff run could quell his concerns, but another early exit might fuel trade rumors. For now, Gibbs remains committed, saying, “I’m all-in for Detroit—until I’m not.” Lions fans, brace for a tense offseason if the Super Bowl dream falters.
