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The Lions drew a hard line between the positional value of Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions opted for a $14.29 million fifth-year option for Jahmyr Gibbs while rejecting Jack Campbell's $21.9 million option, highlighting their strict value assessment across the team.
Key points
- Lions committed $14.29 million to Jahmyr Gibbs for 2027
- Jack Campbell's $21.9 million option was declined
- Decision reflects strict value assessment by the Lions
- Gibbs has become a major problem for opposing defenses
- Lions distinguish between player impact and cost
Detroit LionsJahmyr GibbsJack Campbell
Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Detroitās decision around fifth-year options made one thing clear: the Lions are strict about how they assign value across their squad. They were happy to commit $14.29 million to Jahmyr Gibbs for 2027 but turned down Jack Campbellās $21.9 million option, even after his All-Pro campaign.
It wasnāt a matter of preference between the two players ā it was about Detroit maintaining a firm distinction between impact and cost.
Gibbs isnāt just putting up numbers; heās become a real problem for defences. The Lions understand that teams have to plan around his speed, receiving skills, and knack for turning small gaps into big gains.
The numbers back that up too. According to the Associated Press, Gibbs is just the fourth player in league history to hit 4,500 yards from scrimmage and 45 touchdowns within his first three seasons. While $14.29 million is a high price for most running backs, itās easier to justify when you consider the matchup problems he creates.
Campbellās price was distorted by the formula
It wasnāt performance that led to Detroit declining Campbellās option. The real issue was how the fifth-year option groups off-ball linebackers with edge rushers in the same pay bracket.
Pride of Detroit explained it well. Campbellās 2027 option would have been higher than the current top salary for off-ball linebackers across the league. Even when you rate a player, itās not a spot where you want to overextend.
What makes the decision interesting, rather than divisive, is that Campbell just wrapped up the sort of season that usually earns automatic extensions. As noted by the AP report, he became the first player in seven years to record 150 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles in a single campaign.
The Lions arenāt overlooking any of that. Theyāre simply refusing to let an awkward salary rule dictate what heās worth.
Q&A
Why did the Lions choose Jahmyr Gibbs over Jack Campbell for the fifth-year option?
The Lions prioritized Gibbs due to his impact on the field and ability to create significant plays, despite Campbell's All-Pro status.
What is the financial difference between Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell's fifth-year options?
Gibbs' option is valued at $14.29 million, while Campbell's was $21.9 million, which the Lions declined.
How do the Lions evaluate player value in contract decisions?
The Lions maintain a strict distinction between a player's impact on the game and their cost, as demonstrated by their recent contract decisions.
What impact does Jahmyr Gibbs have on opposing defenses?
Gibbs poses a significant challenge for defenses due to his speed, receiving skills, and ability to exploit small gaps for big gains.
