The Detroit Lions have exercised the fifth-year option for running back Jahmyr Gibbs while declining it for linebacker Jack Campbell. This decision reflects the team's strategic roster management approach.
The Detroit Lions made two important roster decisions Tuesday that might look contradictory on the surface, but line up perfectly with how this front office operates.
Have learned the @Lions are picking up the 5th year option on RB Jahmyr Gibbs. 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.
If your first reaction was confusion, youâre not alone. But once you dig into the details, this is classic Brad Holmes roster management.
Jahmyr Gibbs Jack Campbell fifth year option
Jahmyr Gibbs Jack Campbell fifth year option
Gibbs was an easy call
Start with Gibbs.
Heâs been everything the Lions hoped for and more since arriving in Detroit. Through three seasons, heâs put together:
3,580 rushing yards
39 rushing touchdowns
181 receptions
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Lions exercise the fifth-year option on Jahmyr Gibbs?
The Lions exercised the option on Jahmyr Gibbs to secure his position for an additional year as part of their roster management strategy.
What does declining the fifth-year option for Jack Campbell mean for his future with the Lions?
Declining the fifth-year option for Jack Campbell indicates that the Lions may be looking to negotiate a different contract or assess his performance before making long-term commitments.
How much is the fifth-year option worth for NFL players like Jahmyr Gibbs?
The fifth-year option for first-round NFL draft picks, such as Jahmyr Gibbs, is typically around $22 million, depending on the player's position and performance.
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1,449 receiving yards
10 receiving touchdowns
Oh, and three straight Pro Bowls.
The fifth-year option for Gibbs is projected around $14.3 million, which is in line with the top tier of running back contracts. Given his production and versatility, locking that in was a no-brainer.
Campbell decision is about the cap, not confidence
Now to Campbell, the part thatâs going to raise eyebrows.
Detroit declined his fifth-year option, which is projected to be roughly $21.9 million. That number is inflated because of how linebacker contracts are calculated, often blending in edge rusher money.
But hereâs the key: this is not about how the Lions feel about Campbell.
In fact, itâs the opposite.
âThe Lions absolutely consider Campbell part of their plans going forward,â Miller reported. âJust makes more sense under the cap to get a longer deal done vs locking in 5th year in â27.â
Campbell is coming off a First-Team All-Pro season, and by all accounts, Detroit wants him here long-term.
This is about flexibility.
The real plan: extend Campbell
Declining the option shifts the timeline.
Instead of being locked into a high one-year number in 2027, the Lions can now work toward a multi-year extension that spreads out the cap hit and keeps Campbell in Detroit through his prime.
It also adds a bit of urgency, since 2026 now becomes the final year of his rookie deal.
But if anything, that urgency likely accelerates talksânot ends them.
This is how Holmes operates
If youâve followed this front office, none of this should feel out of character.
Holmes doesnât make emotional decisions.
He makes calculated ones.
Pay the right player at the right price
Avoid inflated market inefficiencies
Keep long-term flexibility intact
Gibbs checked every box for the option.
Campbell didnât, at that number.
The bottom line
This isnât a split in priorities.
Itâs a smart allocation of resources.
Gibbs gets rewarded for elite production. Campbell gets positioned for what could be a more team-friendly long-term deal.
Different paths, same destination.
Keeping Detroitâs core together for the long haul.
