Why Detroit Lions won't exercise 5th year option on Jack Campbell

The Detroit Lions exercised the fifth-year option on the rookie contract for running back Jahmyr Gibbs on Tuesday, April 28, but they won't be picking up the option for linebacker Jack Campbell, a person familiar with the decision confirmed to the Free Press. Fox-2 first reported the news. Gibbs will make about $14.

29 million on his 2027 option, according to OverTheCap. com , while Campbell's option, worth an estimated $21. 925 million, was too expensive given the market value of the off-ball linebacker position.

Lions president Rod Wood explained the dilemma the Lions faced with Campbell in an interview with the Free Press at last month's annual meeting. At a salary of $21. 93 million, Campbell would have surpassed Fred Warner as the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL.

"Jack’s situation is unique because his fifth-year option and franchise tags get outrageous with him making the Pro Bowl, and linebackers are linebackers," Wood said. "So that factors into how you want to approach his. And Jahmyr is unique in that he’s just such a dynamic offensive player that you want to make sure you a, keep him and b, do it in a way that’s financially smart.