Chairshot NFL News Report (8/7/2026): Gibbs Gets Paid, Panthers Win on the Final Play, and Taylor Extends

Jahmyr Gibbs becomes the NFL’s highest-paid running back, Carolina wins the Hall of Fame Game on the final play, and Jonathan Taylor lands a new Colts deal.

The Detroit Lions have ended Jahmyr Gibbs’ training-camp hold-in with a record-setting contract that establishes a new financial standard for NFL running backs.

Carolina opened the preseason with a dramatic victory over Arizona, Jonathan Taylor secured another major commitment from Indianapolis and Tampa Bay rejected speculation surrounding two of its most important players.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for August 7, 2026!

Jahmyr Gibbs Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back

The Detroit Lions and Jahmyr Gibbs have agreed to the parameters of a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension.

The agreement reportedly includes $51.5 million guaranteed and can reach $75.75 million through incentives. Gibbs will average $22.5 million in new money, making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back on an annual basis.

Gibbs had remained present at training camp without participating in full practices while negotiations continued. He joined Detroit’s stretching and walkthrough work Thursday as the sides moved closer to completing the extension.

The 24-year-old has accumulated 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns through his first 49 NFL games. He rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while adding 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores.

Detroit is not paying Gibbs as a traditional running back. His receiving production, explosive-play ability and flexibility throughout the formation make him one of the central pieces of the entire offense.

The Lions also avoided allowing the situation to linger into preseason competition. Gibbs can now focus on preparing for the season without the physical and financial risk that prompted the hold-in.

Panthers Win Hall of Fame Game on Final Play

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 when quarterback Haynes King scored on a five-yard scramble as time expired.

Arizona had taken a 30-27 lead with 1:55 remaining when Kedon Slovis connected with Bryson Green for a one-yard touchdown. King responded by leading Carolina on a 13-play, 65-yard drive before diving into the end zone on the game’s final snap.

King completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 rushing yards. Carolina starter Kenny Pickett went 8-for-11 for 62 yards before turning the offense over to King.

Carson Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown for Arizona. Slovis added 106 yards and a score on 9-of-10 passing, while Jalen Brooks produced 99 yards on three receptions.

The result will not affect either team’s regular-season record, but King created the type of moment that can change a roster competition.

Carolina now has game film showing that he can manage a late drive and finish it under pressure. Arizona also received encouraging performances from Beck and Slovis while Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew remained on the sideline.

Jonathan Taylor Lands Another Colts Extension

The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a two-year, $44 million extension with Jonathan Taylor.

The contract reportedly contains $39 million guaranteed and can reach $47 million through incentives. It keeps Taylor under contract through the 2028 season and represents the largest third contract ever awarded to an NFL running back.

Taylor led the NFL with 323 carries and 18 rushing touchdowns last season while gaining 1,585 yards. He has produced 3,016 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Taylor’s agreement continues a dramatic shift at the top of the running-back market. Bijan Robinson, Gibbs and Taylor all received major extensions within the same week after years of teams resisting substantial investments at the position.

That does not mean every running back will suddenly receive a lucrative deal. It shows that teams remain willing to pay elite players whose production and importance extend beyond what can be easily replaced through the draft.

Indianapolis now knows Taylor will remain part of its offensive foundation as the franchise attempts to establish long-term stability at quarterback.

Buccaneers Reject Vita Vea Trade Speculation

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht says the organization has no intention of trading Vita Vea.

Vea is entering the final season of his contract and reportedly requested a trade amid unsuccessful extension discussions. He has attended training camp but has not practiced because of a back issue.

Licht also reiterated that Tampa Bay considers Baker Mayfield its franchise quarterback. Extension negotiations with Mayfield stalled after the quarterback reportedly felt disrespected by the team’s offer, but Licht said the Buccaneers still want him in Tampa Bay beyond this season.

Public declarations do not automatically resolve either negotiation. Vea and Mayfield remain unsigned beyond 2026, leaving Tampa Bay vulnerable to losing two foundational players next spring.

The Buccaneers are still better served by working toward agreements than creating immediate roster holes. Trading Vea would weaken the defensive front, while allowing uncertainty around Mayfield to persist could overshadow an entire season.

Jaylen Waddle and Elic Ayomanor Sidelined

Denver Broncos receiver Jaylen Waddle is expected to miss approximately four or five days because of a leg-muscle strain.

The absence gives second-year receiver Pat Bryant additional opportunities with the first-team offense. Denver does not currently expect Waddle’s injury to threaten his regular-season availability.

Tennessee Titans receiver Elic Ayomanor suffered a left shoulder injury during a collision with safety Kevin Winston Jr. in Thursday’s practice. Robert Saleh said the shoulder appeared stable, but the Titans were waiting for additional medical information.

Ayomanor caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season and entered camp as one of Tennessee’s expected starters.

Neither injury initially appears catastrophic, but August availability matters for different reasons.

Denver needs Waddle healthy enough to develop his timing within a new offense. Tennessee needs Ayomanor on the field as it determines whether his promising rookie production can develop into a larger second-year role.

NFL Transactions — August 6, 2026

• Atlanta Falcons – Claimed safety Keidron Smith off waivers
• Atlanta Falcons – Placed linebacker Jalon Walker on injured reserve with a torn left ACL
• Buffalo Bills – Placed linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on injured reserve
• Buffalo Bills – Signed linebacker Otis Reese
• Carolina Panthers – Released offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles
• Carolina Panthers – Released wide receiver Ainias Smith
• Dallas Cowboys – Placed tight end Princeton Fant on injured reserve with a torn left ACL
• Dallas Cowboys – Claimed tight end Zack Kuntz off waivers
• Detroit Lions – Extended running back Jahmyr Gibbs through 2030
• Detroit Lions – Released wide receiver Lawrence Keys III
• Houston Texans – Extended linebacker Henry To’oTo’o through 2028
• Indianapolis Colts – Signed tight end Pharaoh Brown
• Indianapolis Colts – Placed tight end Sean McKeon on injured reserve
• Indianapolis Colts – Extended running back Jonathan Taylor through 2028
• Las Vegas Raiders – Signed running back Dare Ogunbowale
• New Orleans Saints – Brock Rechsteiner suspended six games by the NFL
• New York Giants – Placed wide receiver Beaux Collins on injured reserve
• New York Jets – Claimed defensive lineman Junior Tafuna off waivers
• New York Jets – Released defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins
• New York Jets – Placed defensive end Eric Watts on injured reserve
• Pittsburgh Steelers – Released cornerback Ahmari Harvey
• Pittsburgh Steelers – Signed safety Israel Mukuamu
• Seattle Seahawks – Released wide receiver Ja’Markis Weston
• Seattle Seahawks – Released cornerback Lance Mason
• Seattle Seahawks – Signed fullback Brock Lampe
• San Francisco 49ers – Signed offensive tackle Kion Smith
• San Francisco 49ers – Released wide receiver Colton Dowell
• Tennessee Titans – Released linebacker Shad Banks Jr.
• Tennessee Titans – Signed safety Dominique Hampton.

Atlanta’s placement of Walker on injured reserve confirms the season-ending diagnosis the Falcons feared when he was carted from practice Tuesday.

Detroit and Indianapolis made the largest long-term investments, while several other teams continued replacing injured players and reshaping the bottom of their preseason rosters.

The running-back market has changed significantly in a matter of days. Robinson’s agreement created one new standard, Taylor secured the largest third contract at the position and Gibbs surpassed everyone in annual value.

Those contracts will not eliminate concerns about positional longevity. They establish a clearer separation between interchangeable running backs and offensive centerpieces capable of influencing every area of the field.

Carolina’s victory also provided the first reminder that opportunity matters throughout the roster. King entered the Hall of Fame Game as a reserve and left Canton responsible for the preseason’s first memorable finish.