Don’t panic: Jahmyr Gibbs' agent has a history of last-minute deals
I don't know if anyone has noticed yet, but the Detroit Lions have not signed their 12th overall pick Jahmy Gibbs to a rookie deal yet. I'm just kidding. Everyone has noticed and some of them are asking me about it a lot. It's peculiar, but it's not totally crazy. Gibbs isn't the only first […]
I don't know if anyone has noticed yet, but the Detroit Lions have not signed their 12th overall pick Jahmy Gibbs to a rookie deal yet. I'm just kidding. Everyone has noticed and some of them are asking me about it a lot. It's peculiar, but it's not totally crazy.
Gibbs isn't the only first round rookie who hasn't sign their deal yet. four of the first five picks in this years draft have yet to put pen to paper. There are three other first rounders (Christian Gonzalez, Emmanuel Forbes and Will McDonald) who haven't signed yet either. Including Gibbs, that's eight first round rookies who are not under contract.
What's taking so long? It could really be anything. I have no doubt that the deals will get done for all these players. It would be kind of unprecedented if nothing happened. But when? Well, I might have an answer on the Jahmyr Gibbs one today. Let's dig into some history shall we?
Jahmyr Gibbs is represented by agent Todd France of Athletes First. France has been in this game for a while. You may recognize his name from representing former Lions receiver Kenny Golladay.
In recent years, France has picked up some other top tier first round talent as clients. He represents Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Brian Burns. I was looking to see when he got rookie deals done with those guys and I think I may have found some answers.
Josh Allen signed his rookie deal on July 25th. The night before they started training camp for the 2018 season. Brian Burns signed his deal on July 24th. Right before training camp. Justin Jefferson signed his deal on July 23rd. Right before, you guessed it, the start of training camp.
I don't have to say it, but I will anyways. Does anyone see a trend here? Todd France's rookie clients seem to take till the very last minute to get their rookie deals done. Especially if they're first rounders. That doesn't seem to be the case with guys drafted outside of the first. Remember when we brought up Golladay? Well he signed his deal on June 20th. He was a third round pick.
So if we're just guessing, and that's all we're really doing, I would say that Jahmyr Gibbs should sign his contract in two weeks. Specifically any day from July 24th to July 28th. Don't worry Lions fans. It'll get done.
Featured image by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK