The Detroit Lions made key contract calls this week, and both decisions are getting attention. One young player got long-term backing, while another now faces questions about his future with the team.

Although the fact that Jahmyr Gibbs has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his three NFL seasons made picking up his fifth-year option a no-brainer, it seems to stand in contrast to a snub for Jack Campbell.

“BREAKING: The Lions are picking up the 5th-year option on Jahmyr Gibbs,” the Detroit Times update read on X on Wednesday. “They will not be picking up the 5th-year option on Jack Campbell.”

Jahmyr Gibbs is now all set to stay under contract through the 2027 season. This gives the Detroit Lions more time to work out a bigger deal before he reaches free agency.

Gibbs' fifth-year option is valued at about $14.2 million. That figure already places him among the higher-paid running backs for that season.

In 2025, he rushed for 1,223 yards and scored 13 touchdowns (4th highest in the league), staying productive even when the run blocking struggled.

With changes in the backfield, the Lions are expected to lean more on Gibbs going forward. His role could grow even more as the offense builds around him.

On the other hand, Jack Campbell was snubbed for the fifth-year option, as he did not get the same call as Gibbs. The team chose not to pick up his fifth-year option despite his strong performance.

Lions Pass On Jack Campbell Option Despite Promising Stats

The decision on 25-year-old Jack Campbell has raised questions, mainly because of his production over the last season, earning him a career-first Pro Bowl nod.

According to OverTheCap.com, the projected $21.925 million option for Jack Campbell was simply too steep for an off-ball linebacker in today’s market, a price tag the Detroit Lions were not willing to meet.

Reporter Ari Meirov shared the update on X this Wednesday, explaining the financial side behind the move.

“The #Lions are declining the fifth-year option on All-Pro LB Jack Campbell,” the X post read. “The option was worth nearly $22M, which no off-ball linebacker currently makes.”

Campbell is now under contract only for the 2026 season. If there is no extension before then, he will become a free agent after the season.

Declining his fifth-year option meant that Campbell would not avail the $21.9 million guarantee on the table for 2027.

He had 176 tackles last season, along with nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and was selected as an All-Pro. Since being brought on, he's featured in all regular games played, not starting in only five of them.

The Detroit Lions have made their short-term direction clear. Gibbs looks set for a bigger role, while Campbell now enters a key year that could decide his future with the team.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote