Lions decline Jack Campbell's fifth-year option, eye long-term deal

TL;DR

The Lions have declined Jack Campbell's fifth-year option, which would have cost $21.925 million. They aim to negotiate a long-term deal that benefits both parties.

Key points

Lions declined Jack Campbell's fifth-year option
Fifth-year option cost was $21.925 million
Lions aim for a long-term deal with Campbell
Campbell ranked second in the NFL with 176 tackles last season
He also had five sacks and three forced fumbles

LionsJack Campbell

Per Fox 2 Detroit's Dan Miller, the Lions are passing on the fifth-year option with Butkus Award-winning linebacker Jack Campbell.

Exercising the fifth-year option on Campbell would have been $21.925 million, per Spotrac. Instead, Miller reports that the Lions hope to work out a long-term deal that "makes sense for both sides."

Miller says that the Lions "absolutely consider Campbell part of their plans going forward," but getting a longer deal done makes more sense for Detroit versus the option year in 2027.

Campbell ranked second in the NFL last season with 176 tackles. The 6-foot-5, 246-pound linebacker also added nine tackles for loss, five sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season with the Lions.

In his three-year NFL career thus far, Campbell has registered 402 tackles, 10 passes defended, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Campbell has played in all 51 regular-season games over the last three seasons, starting 46.

The Lions are picking up the fifth-year option on running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs will earn $14.293 million in the 2027 season on the fifth-year option, per Spotrac.

Gibbs, a 5-foot-9, 202-pound back, rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 scores a season ago. The Alabama alum's rushing yards ranked seventh in the NFL last season. Gibbs is a three-time Pro Bowler and was the NFL's rushing touchdowns co-leader in 2024.

Q&A

Why did the Lions decline Jack Campbell's fifth-year option?

The Lions declined the option to pursue a long-term deal that is more beneficial for both sides.

What are Jack Campbell's stats from last season?

Last season, Jack Campbell recorded 176 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles.

How much would Jack Campbell's fifth-year option have cost?

Exercising Jack Campbell's fifth-year option would have cost the Lions $21.925 million.