All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell is entering the final season of his rookie deal, and speculation had been building on whether or not Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes would be willing to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract.
But now, that speculation has been put to rest. According to a report released earlier on Tuesday afternoon from NFL Insider Ari Meirov, the Lions are declining to pick up the option.
The Detroit Lions Will Not Pick Up The 5th Year Option On Jack Campbell’s Contract
As Meirov explained on X, formerly known as Twitter, the decision has been reached by Lions GM Brad Holmes that the fifth-year option of Campbell’s contract won’t be picked up.
The Lions are declining the fifth-year option on All-Pro LB Jack Campbell, per Dan Miller,” wrote Meirov. “The option for Campbell was worth nearly $22M, which no off-ball linebacker currently makes. All linebackers—both OLBs and ILBs—are grouped together for the option formula, creating a unique situation similar to what the Ravens faced with Tyler Linderbaum as a center. Campbell now is set to be a free agent next year, barring an extension.”
The news was first reported by Lions broadcaster Dan Miller, who wrote that the club also planned on picking up the fifth-year option on running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but not Campbell.
“Have learned the Lions are picking up the 5th year option on RB Jahmyr Gibbs,” Miller wrote. “They will not be picking up the 5th year option on LB Jack Campbell. W/ that number near 22 million, they will look to work out a long term deal that makes sense for both sides. The Lions absolutely consider Campbell part of their plans going forward. Just makes more sense under the cap to get a longer deal done vs locking in 5th year in ’27.”
Had the Lions picked up the option, it would have resulted in a 2027 salary of $21.93 million for Campbell. They’ll now look for a more team-friendly number.
The Lions Selected Jack Campbell In The 2023 NFL Draft
Campbell, whom the Lions selected in the opening round (18th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, played college football at Iowa and earned preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year honors by Big Ten media in 2022.
He was later recognized with the 2022 Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football, as well as the William V. Campbell Trophy as a scholar-athlete.
The Lions selected Campbell in 2023, and it wouldn’t be long before he was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. So far in his career, he’s recorded over 400 tackles along with 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, and 10 pass deflections.
The Lions will be relying on both Campbell and Gibbs to help them get back to the NFL postseason for the first time since early 2025. Unfortunately, Detroit’s two-year reign at the top of the NFC North came to a close this past season, and despite a 9-8 record, the Lions missed clinching a berth in the NFL playoffs.
Lions Confirm Major Financial Decision On Jack Campbell