The Detroit Lions surprised many when they decided to decline Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option this week, but many feel it’s a matter of time until they agree on a long-term contract extension.
The latest piece of information came on Wednesday when the Houston Texans agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension with Azeez Al-Shaair. A fellow 2025 Pro Bowler, Al-Shaair will reportedly make $18 million per season with his new contract, which will keep him in Houston through the 2029 season.
But it’s also an important data point as the Lions figure out Campbell’s future in the Motor City, and it could once again help Detroit come to a resolution sooner than later.
Azeez Al-Shaair’s Contract Extension Is Another Data Point for the Lions to Keep Jack Campbell
Lions fans will be quick to point out that Campbell is a better player than Al-Shaair. Campbell had a career year in 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections by recording 176 total tackles, nine tackles for loss with four pass defenses, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while playing all 17 games. He also ranked first among all linebackers with a minimum of 400 snaps with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 90.2 last season and was worthy of the fifth-year option, which was estimated to be $21.9 million by Over The Cap.
Al-Shaair is also an important player in the Texans' defense, but his stats weren’t as great as Campbell's. He managed 103 tackles with a tackle for loss and two interceptions last season and made his first Pro Bowl in his seventh season in the league. But he’s also two years older than Campbell and could increase Campbell’s value as he heads to the negotiation table.
The Texans' giving Al-Shaair $18 million could be considered bad news for the Lions. Detroit balked at his fifth-year option because it would have put him ahead of Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers ($21 million) as the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. While Warner signed that contract a year ago, he is also a year older than Al-Shaair, set to turn 30 in November.
Spotrac estimates that Campbell will get paid regardless, with a market value of $21.5 per season, and it’s hard to argue that after Al-Shaair’s contract. But the Lions could also have the benefit of spreading the cap hit through the duration of the contract as opposed to the fully guaranteed salary that’s part of the fifth-year option.
Either way, Al-Shaair should help negotiations proceed as Campbell enters a contract year, and it’s another event that should keep the star linebacker in Detroit.
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