With the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, teams have shifted to potential fifth-year options for first-round picks from the 2023 class. The Detroit Lions are one of the more interesting teams in this regard, as both running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell were eligible to have options picked up for the 2027 season. However, Tuesday brought a surprising decision as Gibbs' option was exercised while Campbell's was declined, according to Dan Miller of FOX 2 in Detroit.
The news may come as a shock, but Miller later noted that Campbell remains in the team's long-term plans. In fact, by not picking up Campbell’s option, the Lions may have actually increased their chances of keeping the defender in the Motor City long term, with a resolution possibly coming much quicker after Tuesday’s news.
Lions Declining Jack Campbell’s Fifth-Year Option Could Accelerate Contract Talks
Tuesday's decision on Campbell's option has a lot to do with the financials of the fifth-year option. Players selected in the first round of a draft have a team option at the end of their deal, but the price depends on their performance over the first three years as a pro. A player’s position, playing time, and number of Pro Bowl selections are the deciding factors, and Over The Cap projected the number to be $21.9 million since Campbell made the Pro Bowl for the first time last season.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press noted that when he asked general manager Brad Holmes about the option, Holmes “basically” mentioned that “Campbell would be the highest paid off-ball linebacker the moment the option was tendered,” and that the Baltimore Ravens made a similar decision with center Tyler Linderbaum a year ago. Over The Cap also confirms that comment as the option would have put him ahead of Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, who is making $21 million per year on his current deal.
It’s also notable that Gibbs’s fifth-year option of $14.2 million puts him just ahead of Jonathan Taylor in terms of average annual value next season and is a reasonable starting point for an extension, given Spotrac’s market value projection of $20.2 million.
Instead of putting Campbell’s fully guaranteed number on the 2027 salary cap, the Lions could allow Campbell to enter a contract year in 2026. But there are also factors in the decision that could accelerate a deal coming to fruition.
Campbell likely doesn’t want to risk his value if he gets hurt or underperforms next season. While he would probably like to see if the market increases Spotrac’s projected market value of $21.5 million per season to keep him around, the Lions could also look to sign him at a reasonable, but lower number that could be spread out across multiple seasons.
Declining the option also increases the chance he would accept a lesser price. If the option had been picked up, Campbell would have had $21.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2027 season. That gives him less incentive to accept a deal worth $20 million per season and could help the Lions lock in at that price before the market rises.
The news will create some panic among fans who would like to see a key cog stick around. But after three strong seasons, the Lions have every incentive to get a deal done. That will likely happen soon after Tuesday’s news and could help Detroit reach an agreement with Campbell soon.
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