Quite a few pundits have questioned whether the NFL needs to alter its fifth-year option rules after the Detroit Lions declined the option for linebacker Jack Campbell this spring. The Lions made that decision because the fifth-year of the contract would have paid Campbell as an edge rusher rather than inside linebacker.
NFL insider Albert Breer, though, strongly argued at the beginning of this week no change to the fifth-year option rules is necessary.
“I’m calling BS on that….”
“The reality is that most rules don’t work in the players’ favor. Tight ends who are basically used as big receivers don’t get the receiver tag number,” wrote Breer. “Tight ends who are more well-rounded get screwed worse. Safeties aren’t grouped with corners, keeping their numbers down. The rules, in many ways, work well for the teams.
“That a couple don’t mean it shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to cry foul.”
Campbell’s fifth-year option was worth $21.925 million. With that amount, Campbell would have become the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL during 2027.
Instead, the Lions declined the option. Campbell will become an unrestricted free agent next March.
Should NFL Change Fifth-Year Option Rules?
In summary, Breer argued that fans and pundits are only upset about the fifth-year option conundrum with Campbell because it didn’t favor the Lions.
The NFL insider pointed out the Baltimore Ravens had essentially the same issue last offseason.
“What’s happening with Campbell now is similar to what happened with Tyler Linderbaum last year,” wrote Breer. “The Ravens couldn’t pick up Linderbaum’s option because offensive linemen are grouped together in the formula, meaning his number was based on tackle contracts, not center contracts, the same way Campbell’s number is based on edge rushers categorized as linebackers because they’re in two-point stances at the line.
This offseason, the Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders.
I understand Breer’s point. The NFL shouldn’t be interested in stripping one of the few contract rules in place that benefits players.
Having said that, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to group large position groups together for fifth-year options and tagging purposes.
Campbell is not an edge rusher. His fifth-year option should have given him a contract for the position he plays.
Lions Seeking to Sign LB Jack Campbell to Long-Term Extension: Report
While Campbell’s fifth-year option was slightly controversial, it will likely become a moot point.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported on April 28 the Lions “are looking to secure” a long-term extension for Campbell. Without his fifth-year option, the team just has less time to do so.
Campbell is entering the final year of his rookie deal this season. But with the plan to sign him long-term, the Lions could extend Campbell this summer.
The linebacker made first-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2025. He posted 176 combined tackles, including nine tackles for loss. Campbell also had five sacks, four pass defenses, and three forced fumbles.
The Lions selected Campbell at No. 18 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
While Detroit declined the fifth-year option for the linebacker, the team exercised the option with running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He won’t become a free agent until 2028, but Gibbs is also a candidate for a long-term extension.
NFL Insider Tells Off Jack Campbell’s Fifth-Year Option Criticism