Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs hints at big change to his role

Jahmyr Gibbs has been one of the most explosive players in the NFL over the past two seasons, and we may see a slight shift in how the Detroit Lions use him this season.

Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards in his second NFL season last year, which was fifth in the league among running backs. He averaged a whopping 5.6 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground. Gibbs also had 52 catches for 517 yards and four receiving  touchdowns. It sounds like he will have even more opportunities to make plays in the passing game in 2025.

While speaking with reporters at an offseason workout last week, Gibbs said new Lions offensive coordinator John Morton wants him “more involved” in the passing game.

“I gotta learn the formations for being split out,” Gibbs said, according to WXTY-TV Detroit. “I’m being split out like way more than I was the past two years. That’s good. That’s going to be fun. I’ve been waiting on that.”

Gibbs caught 52 passes in each of the last two seasons under former Lions OC Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears.  As Kevin Patra of NFL.com noted, Gibbs took 32 snaps from the slot and 38 out wide last season. Getting Gibbs the ball more in open space could be another way for Detroit to put stress on defenses.

The Lions also still have David Montgomery, who has been very effective for them out of the backfield. Morton may want Gibbs to line up at wide receiver more in order to use Montgomery and Gibbs in the same packages.