The Detroit Lions spent the offseason trying to fix what went wrong after a 9-8 finish in 2025. Head coach Dan Campbell and company made several big moves through trades, free agency and the draft. Not every decision received praise, though.

ESPN analyst Seth Walder questioned one of Detroit's biggest contract extensions. According to Walder, the Lions' decision to extend Jack Campbell’s contract was the move he liked the least.

"The Lions also locked up [Jack] Campbell to a four-year, $81 million extension, securing the linebacker for years to come. That strikes me as a little rich for [Jack] Campbell, but not wildly out of line," Walder wrote on June 30.

Jack signed a four-year, $81 million extension this offseason, out of which $51.35 million is guaranteed, and has an average annual salary of $20.25 million.

That AAV makes him the second-highest-paid linebacker in the league right now, just behind the San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner ($21 million per year).

So, even though ESPN analyst Seth Walder acknowledged Jack's value to Detroit, he questioned whether the contract was justified. That's why he gave the Lions a "B" for their offseason. His assessment came despite Jack's breakout campaign last year. 

Jack featured in all 17 games last season. He recorded 176 tackles (89 solo) and five sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and a lucrative extension.

However, Walder was far more positive about two of Detroit's other offseason decisions.

"Perhaps Detroit's best move of the offseason was dealing Montgomery for a fourth-round pick, seventh-round pick, and OL Juice Scruggs. Any time a team can get that type of draft capital for a 29-year-old backup running back, it has to jump at the chance. The Lions were right to do so even though Isiah Pacheco, who they signed in free agency, will likely be a downgrade," Walder added.

The move also gave Detroit more breathing room under the salary cap. It added draft capital and strengthened the offensive line for the future.

Detroit's offseason might not be finished yet. Another ESPN analyst pointed to a possible long-term roster decision.

ESPN analyst proposes surprising Sam LaPorta trade scenario

According to a report by ESPN's Ben Solak, tight end Sam LaPorta could become the Lions' most realistic trade candidate if future salary cap pressures force tough choices.

Solak stressed he is not predicting a deal. Instead, he argued LaPorta could become expendable as the Lions prepare for future extensions for young stars like Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch.

He also pointed to LaPorta's changing role in the offense. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Gibbs commanding more touches, Solak questioned whether Detroit would eventually pay top-tier money to its fourth offensive option.

Solak identified the Carolina Panthers as a potential landing spot, citing head coach Dave Canales' offense as a strong fit for LaPorta's skill set.

For now, however, the Lions have not shown any indication in terms of making any moves. What do you think? Did the Lions overpay to keep Jack Campbell, or was it a necessary move to secure their defense? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore