The Detroit Lions declined the fifth-year option on star linebacker Jack Campbell last Friday, ahead of the NFL deadline for 2023 first-round picks. The decision stemmed from the option's high $21.9 million cost, inflated by pass rusher calculations. Campbell enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2026.
Last Friday marked the NFL deadline for teams to decide on fifth-year options for 2023 first-round draft picks. Of the players involved, 20 had options exercised, two received long-term extensions, and nine saw declines. Detroit Lions opted against picking up All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell's option, a move some found surprising given his breakout performance last season with 176 combined tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and four passes defended. He earned first-team All-Pro honors, his first Pro Bowl selection, and the Butkus Award as the NFL's top linebacker. Campbell has played in 51 career games with 46 starts, totaling 402 tackles, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 10 passes defended without missing a game over three seasons. The fifth-year option, fully guaranteed for 2027, was set at $21,925,000 due to Campbell's single Pro Bowl appearance and a formula that groups linebackers with pass rushers. Over The Cap notes this structure uses antiquated designations, such as classifying some edge rushers as linebackers, which inflates numbers for off-ball linebackers like Campbell. For comparison, teammate running back Jahmyr Gibbs, with multiple Pro Bowls, will earn $14,293,000 on his option. Declining creates urgency for an extension before 2026, Detroit's last year of control. The Lions aim to retain Campbell, who projects for a four-year, $85.8 million deal per Spotrac, potentially topping Fred Warner's $21 million average annual value. Gibbs also seeks a new contract, possibly ahead of Campbell in priority.
