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

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. The @Lions absolutely consider Campbell part of their plans going forward.

Just makes more sense under the cap to get a longer deal done vs locking in 5th year in '27. — Dan Miller (@DanMillerFox2) April 28, 2026 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.