Welcome to the fresh season. The Shuffle Up series reflects how I tier positions as I get ready for my drafts. The salaries are unscientific in nature and meant to illustrate where talent clusters and drops off. Players listed at the same draft salary are considered even.
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Today's **** ignment is perhaps the most important one -- the running backs. If there's one spot you want to run pure in any fantasy season, it's here.
$47 Jahmyr Gibbs
$47 Bijan Robinson

#players #gibbs #bijan

As he negotiates a new long-term deal with Detroit, Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs did not practice on Wednesday during Detroit's first training camp practice.
Gibbs is a hold-in, meaning he is at Lions training camp but not currently participating.
"Of course, you guys know how we feel about Gibbs and all of our guys, (Sam) LaPorta, (Brian) Branch. And so, we'll take this as it comes. This will kind of continue. It'll come as it comes. I think that's the best way to say it. And so, this is both sides working through something and we'll take it as it comes, but that's where it is," Campbell said of Gibbs to open camp.
The Lions executed the fifth-year player option on Gibbs back in April, keeping the star rusher under contract through the 2027 NFL season. Gibbs will earn $14.293 million in 2027 with his player option.
Gibbs, a 5-foot-9, 202-pound back, rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 scores a season ago. The Alabama alum's rushing yards ranked seventh in the NFL last season. Gibbs also added 616 receiving yards and five touchdown grabs, helping him eclipse 1,800+ yards from scrimmage for a second straight season.

#season #back #training

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs reported to training camp but was not on the field with teammates for their first practice on Wednesday as his agent and the franchise work on negotiating a new deal.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said he did not have an update on talks.
"You guys know how we feel about Gibbs," Campbell said.
A message seeking comment was left with Gibbs' agent, Todd France.
"This is both sides working through something," Campbell said.

#campbell #park #mich

The Detroit Lions will have one of the best offenses in the NFL – in the virtual world, anyway.
EA's Madden NFL 27 video game released offensive ratings for skill position players on Wednesday, July 29, and several Lions are prominently placed among the NFL's best. The most notable placements for Lions players are at running back and wide receiver, where running back Jahmyr Gibbs (98 overall) and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (95 overall) are ranked No. 1 and No. 4 at their respective positions.
Two other Lions offensive standouts will rank highly in the game, with tight end Sam LaPorta (88 overall) and quarterback Jared Goff (88 overall) rank as the No. 7 and No. 10 tight end and quarterback, respectively. Though in a potential blow for Lions fans, Los Angeles Rams quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback and one of just six players with a 99 overall rating in the game.
Though Goff is listed as a top-10 quarterback, he is not the highest-rated NFC North quarterback in the game. That ***** le belongs to Chicago Bears quarterback (and cover athlete) Caleb Williams, who comes in at No. 9 at 90 overall.
With so much virtual offensive firepower, the Lions are ranked as the No. 2 offense in the game at 91 overall, with the Rams topping them at 93 overall. And though Madden has not yet released its defensive ratings, fans should expect high marks for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Jack Campbell.

#game #though #offensive #ranked

The NFL's most tenuous record might be held by Saquon Barkley.
Barkley is currently the highest paid running back in NFL history, in terms of annual value on his contract. Barkley makes $20.6 million per season.
That will change. The only question is how quickly he'll be surpassed.
The two top running backs in the NFL — or at least the top two picks in just about every fantasy draft this year — are sitting out of training camp practices awaiting new deals. Jahmyr Gibbs was not present at the start of Lions practice on Wednesday according to the Detroit News. Bijan Robinson wasn't participating in Falcons practice according to The Athletic.
Both stars are looking for new deals. If they're both starting hold-ins, their teams better prepare to get their checkbooks out. It's going to get expensive.

#practice #jahmyr #gibbs #wednesday

Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs might be in the midst of a hold-in as he seeks a new contract.
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Gibbs, who did report to training camp, did not take part in the team's first practice on Wednesday.
Gibbs' absence, which is not believed to be injury-related, according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, comes amid he and the Lions trying to hammer out a contract extension.
"(Gibbs) was not listed on the team's Physically Unable to Perform or Non-Football-Injury list to start camp, suggesting his absence is not injury related," Reisman wrote.
MORE: Dan Campbell just sent Jahmyr Gibbs' fantasy football value soaring

#detroit #jahmyr #contract #camp

Allen Park — Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was not present on the first day of training camp practice in Allen Park on Wednesday.
It's not certain that the pursuit of a new contract is the reason that Gibbs was not at practice. However, Gibbs was not included in the list of injured players that coach Dan Campbell provided updates on Wednesday. Gibbs, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, became eligible to sign a contract extension in March of this year.
The Lions have expressed a desire to retain Gibbs. If they do, it will likely be at a number that will make Gibbs one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
This is a developing story.
nbianchidetroitnews.com

#allen #park #wednesday #practice

The hype for Jahmyr Gibbs' 2026 season has almost gotten too much.
With Gibbs expected to be the bell-cow back, plus Detroit's investment in the offensive line, some are predicting a monster year from the fourth-year Detroit Lions running back. In fact, so many people are predicting a career season from Gibbs, that he is actually the odds-on favorite to win the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
As of Thursday afternoon, here were the five players with the best odds to come away with the award:
Jahmyr Gibbs: +650
Bijan Robinson: +900

#predicting #odds #detroit

Jared Goff. Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jahmyr Gibbs. Aidan Hutchinson. Brian Branch. Kerby Joseph.
The Detroit Lions have their main stars that are household names and lead the charge. They also have a few unsung heroes that can make big contributions. Players that can step in when their number is called and keep the team afloat.
Detroit had one such player, ironically a player they just added this offseason, named to ESPN's recent list of their All-Backup Team.
That player is wide receiver and likely main returner Greg Dortch, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals. Here's what ESPN's Bill Barnwell had to say about Dortch and his placement on this team:
We're also going to need to take some shots on nontraditional players. The 5-foot-7 Dortch wasn't able to persuade the Cardinals to put him on the field for significant stretches of time, but he has been a reliable pair of hands out of the slot, dropping just three of his 142 targets over the past four seasons. Dortch can also back up Chimere Dikeon punt and kick returns, providing some much-needed depth at returner.

#player #returner

As the 2026 NFL season swiftly approaches, CBS Sports took a look at the NFL's "triplets" rankings. CBS' "triplets" rankings examine all 32 NFL teams' quarterback-running back-pass-catcher trios.
The Detroit Lions' combination of quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown ranked among the league's very best. The Lions earned the No. 3 ranking from CBS' nine-member voting panel.
The Lions' trio earned an average ranking of 4.2, a high ranking of 2 and a low ranking of 7.
It's been a remarkable rise for the Lions, who started from ****** near the bottom and are now here, ranked inside the top three. Goff is an incredibly consistent quarterback who has improved in areas where he was once deficient. Gibbs is arguably the most explosive player in the NFL regardless of position. And St. Brown is, like Goff, a model of consistency who is always in the right place at the right time and seems to rack up catches with relative ease. - CBS
Only the Los Angeles Rams' trio (QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kyren Williams, WR Puka Nacua) and the Cincinnati Bengals' trio (QB Joe Burrow, RB Chase Brown, WR Ja'Marr Chase) ranked ahead of the Lions' triplets. The Bengals grabbed the No. 1 overall ranking.

#ranking #gibbs

The NFL has a number of young stars and the Detroit Lions can boast two of the very best among that group.
In CBS' look at the top 25 NFL players age 25 and under, a pair of Lions made the list and find their way inside the top 10 of the rankings.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and offensive tackle Penei Sewell are ranked as the No. 9 and No. 3 NFL players age 25 and under. In order to be eligible for its list, CBS' age cutoff was players who are 25 or younger when the 2026 regular season kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Rookies were also excluded so the list could focus on players that have already played in the NFL.
Gibbs enters 2026 after another terrific campaign where he totaled 1,223 rushing yards, 13 rushing scores and a career-best five touchdown receptions.
Here's what CBS wrote about Gibbs' No. 9 ranking:

ESPN released its top-10 running back rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season, voted on by league personnel, and the New Orleans Saints were shut out. Both Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara received votes, but didn't crack the top 10.
Although Kamara had a down year in 2025, it's especially tough to leave Etienne off the list. The 27-year-old running back, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Saints in free agency, has a strong case for inclusion in the back half of the top 10. The ranking was based on votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts — and it was meant to identify the best running backs right now, not who has the best long-term projection or career resume.
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

The theme for the last few weeks has been running backs and the rushing attack, it seems. The Cleveland Browns have been known as a strong running team for along time, including having five of the Top 100 backs in NFL history. We’ve encouraged HC Todd Monken to set a goal for the offense with the running game as the priority, but Quinshon Judkins’ return from injury could play a huge role in that.
Judkins is not only the Browns offensive X-factor but can use the 2026 season to prove that he belongs in the Top 10 running back conversation, which could lead to an All-Pro level season.
According to a poll of “league executives, coaches and scouts, ESPN’s annual survey of positional rankings does not have Judkins in the Top 10 coming out of his rookie season. Instead, he falls in the honorable mention category:
“Runs incredibly hard, faster in the open field than you’d think. I think he’s going to have a big year.” — AFC executive
Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs top the list, with Derrick Henry (6th) the only AFC North back to land in the Top 10. Chase Brown received votes but was not among the honorable mentions.

To say the 2025 NFL season was disappointing for the Detroit Lions would be an understatement.
They capped the 2023 season with their first trip to an NFC Championship Game since 1991 and set the next-best record in franchise history in 2024, finishing 15-2 and earning the top NFC seed in the playoffs for the first time ever. But things took a turn for the worse last season, as the Lions faltered and posted just a 9-8 finish – continuing their streak of winning seasons but falling short of a postseason bid.
Detroit would certainly like to get back to the peak it reached in the prior two seasons and avoid a repeat of last year when it takes the field in 2026. So what is the ceiling (and the floor) for the Lions this year?
Ceiling: 15-2
Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs – many of the key pieces are still in place from those wildly successful runs in recent years. It's very possible that 2025 was an anomaly, and there's little reason to think that the Lions can't match their 15-win season from 2024 once again. This team has everything they need to be a Super Bowl contender if things go well.

ESPN's bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season zeroed in on a key figure in the Detroit Lions' organization.
While some think a long-term contract extension could still get ironed out with Lions tight end Sam LaPorta before next season starts, ESPN's Ben Solak predicts that LaPorta will get traded to the Carolina Panthers instead.
The Lions have been busy inking its stars to long-term deals over the past two years. The organization inked receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and franchise quarterback Jared Goff to extensions in 2024.Then, beginning with safety Kerby Joseph in April of 2025, the Lions locked in long-term deals with wide receiver Jameson Williams, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and just inked linebacker Jack Campbell to a contract extension.
But, with extensions still to be done with safety Brian Branch, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and LaPorta, it's fair to wonder if there's an odd man out.
Here's some of Solak's thoughts:

David Montgomery may no longer wear Honolulu Blue, but it’s clear the former Detroit Lions running back still carries a deep appreciation for the city, the organization, and the teammates he left behind.
Appearing on the “The Deebo and Joe” podcast, Montgomery opened up about his departure from Detroit, admitting that while he never wanted to leave, he eventually realized it was only a matter of time.
Montgomery joined the Lions as a free agent in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his physical running style and leadership. Alongside Jahmyr Gibbs, he formed one of the NFL’s most productive backfield tandems.
Still, Montgomery said he understood the business realities of the league as his career progressed.
“When I was in Detroit, I thought I was going to be there for the rest of my career,” Montgomery said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “I love the City of Detroit. They showed me an immense amount of love. Coach Campbell, a dope coach, you know. But when you start to get a little older playing the game, at a professional level, and you start to kind of see how things unfold, you gotta get met with like a tough decision. And you know, I was met with that.”

With OTAs and mandatory minicamp in the books, Detroit Lions players now have a month before training camp report dates.
That means it's not long before football and the NFL season takes center stage. Training camp could also provide the information and opportunity for the Lions to make some big final offseason decisions.
As the offseason winds down, ESPN proposed final offseason moves for the Lions and all 32 NFL teams. For Detroit, ESPN proposed contract extensions for two young Lions stars in safety Brian Branch and tight end Sam LaPorta.
Much like their division rivals, the Lions could use more veteran help on the edge, but they also have some big contract decisions to make. The good thing about drafting multiple stars in the same draft is that they play really well. The bad thing is that you must pay them all at once. The bill is coming due for the Lions' fantastic 2023 draft class.
They already extended linebacker Jack Campbell, and they get an extra year to decide on running back Jahmyr Gibbs thanks to the fifth-year option granted to first-round picks. However, both Branch and LaPorta are set to become free agents at the end of this season. The worst scenario is probably getting to the 2027 offseason and having to decide how to sign both Branch and LaPorta while also extending Gibbs. - Aaron Schatz, ESPN

The Baltimore Ravens have spent much of the offseason hearing about the buzz they have created. That's understandable. Jesse Minter's arrival has generated excitement, and much of the discussion surrounding the team has focused on what might become of his side of the ball.
Lost in the conversation is a simple reality. The Ravens still possess one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Sports Illustrated recently ranked the league's best offensive triplets entering the 2026 season, and Baltimore's fans will love where their favorite team was mentioned.
All 32 NFL teams saw their players stacked in this one, and the Ravens landed third overall. The trio of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers trails only two other teams: the Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua) and the Detroit Lions (Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown)
It's difficult to argue with the logic. Jackson remains one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. Henry continues to defy age and expectations. Flowers has developed into one of the league's most dynamic young receivers. What makes the ranking even more intriguing is the possibility that Baltimore hasn't reached its ceiling.
A healthy Jackson alone changes the equation. The Ravens also enter the season with renewed energy under a revamped coaching staff that appears determined to push an already talented roster even further.

Fantasy football players, rejoice! The Detroit Lions are going to let Jahmyr Gibbs run free in 2026.
During his press conference ahead of Detroit’s sixth OTA practice, coach Dan Campbell revealed that they plan on Gibbs being their “bell cow” back this upcoming season.
“He’s going to be our bell cow now. He really became more of that last year, but we’re going to hang our hat on him quite a bit,” Campbell said. “We’re going to do a lot of things we feel like he does well. Now, I’ve mentioned this before. He can run everything that we’ve got. He can run every scheme that anybody’s ever run. He’s not just an outside runner. He is not just a ***** e runner. He can create his own ***** e in the middle. And some of his biggest runs have been gap scheme right down the pipe where he’s had patience and found it and guys blocked it up well. So, we’re going to ask a lot of him.”
Last year, Gibbs set a career-high with 320 touches (243 rushes, 77 catches), played the most snaps of his three-year career (737), and earned his third straight Pro Bowl trip. With the Lions trading away David Montgomery this offseason after the veteran back requested a trade to a team that could give him a bigger role, the path is cleared for Gibbs to take another step. And the fourth-year back does not seem fazed by the task ahead of him.
“It’s not nothing I’m not used to,” Gibbs said. “Growing up I’ve always been the person that’s always had the most carries and stuff like that. I’m not looking at in any different (way) from any other year.”

The biggest question surrounding the Detroit Lions right now is whether they will make running back Jahmyr Gibbs the NFL’s first $100 million running back. What is no longer in question, however, is his importance to the offense following David Montgomery’s departure.
Fantasy football managers may have received even more encouraging news on Thursday. Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke with reporters and showered Gibbs with praise. More importantly, he officially anointed Gibbs as the unquestioned bell-cow back of the offense.
MORE: Jacksonville Jaguars star Brian Thomas Jr. appears ready for massive bounce-back season
That designation means Detroit plans to build its offense around Gibbs. Few players possess his combination of explosiveness, versatility, and playmaking ability. Many around the league already view him as the NFL’s top running back. For fantasy football players preparing for drafts, Gibbs has a legitimate case to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Dynasty fantasy football managers should be especially excited. Gibbs’ trade value has skyrocketed, and his outlook extends well beyond the 2026 season. He remains under contract through 2027, and Detroit could eventually reward him with a record-setting extension to keep him in town for the long haul.

Full Isiah Pacheco Detroit Lions contract details still unknown

The Detroit Lions addressed one of its needs on Tuesday, signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.
Known for an angry, downhill running style, Pacheco should pair well with three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield.
What does Pacheco's Lions contract look like, though? Right now, there aren't many details. Here's what we do know: It's a one-year deal for Pacheco, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.
Pacheco just completed his four-year, $3.7 million rookie contract with the Chiefs. T

Imagine traveling back in time to tell someone who was preparing to bet on Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season that neither Shane Steichen or Jonathan Taylor were runaway favorites to win Coach of the Year or Offensive Player of the Year. Taylor got to around -2000 at one point but has fallen back and I actually think Jahmyr Gibbs, on the heels of his three-touchdown performance against the Cowboys on Thursday night, is a pretty good look at 10-1 to take that hardware. The Colts can surge back to the forefront with a strong stretch run, especially with two games with the Jaguars on tap, including t

Two of the top three scoring offenses will meet on 'Thursday Night Football,' providing quite the NFL DFS player pool for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions matchup at 8:15 p.m. ET. Detroit is a 3-point home favorite, while the over/under is 54.5, the highest on the board in Week 14. Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and CeeDee Lamb are names known to casual football fans and names very familiar with being included in NFL DFS lineups. However, Detroit could be shorthanded with Sam LaPorta on the IR and Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) a game-time decision after not practicing this week. George

Two of the top three scoring offenses will meet on 'Thursday Night Football,' providing quite the NFL DFS player pool for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions matchup at 8:15 p.m. ET. Detroit is a 3-point home favorite, while the over/under is 54.5, the highest on the board in Week 14. Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and CeeDee Lamb are names known to casual football fans and names very familiar with being included in NFL DFS lineups. However, Detroit could be shorthanded with Sam LaPorta on the IR and Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) a game-time decision after not practicing this week.
Wideo