Linebacker Jack Campbell just locked down his future with the Detroit Lions on May 21. Following his massive contract extension, one of his teammates dropped a huge statement that has everyone talking about Campbell's ceiling.

Right after his extension became official, Lions safety Brian Branch jumped on his Instagram Story and posted a picture of Campbell.

"Brian Urlacher 2.0," Branch wrote.

To put things into perspective, linebacker Brian Urlacher is one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history. Selected ninth overall by the Chicago Bears in 2000, he won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and recorded 1,361 career tackles.

Bestowing that honor on Campbell is a big deal, as the Lions clearly see him as the core anchor of their defense. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard clearly discussed how the Lions defense goes through Campbell's decisions.

"This is Jack Campbell’s defense. This is Jack Campbell’s defense and everybody in that locker room knows it," Sheppard said. "I’m very fortunate that I’m able to coach a player like that. I’m not talking ability. I’m talking about the man that he is.”

Campbell displayed his dominance in the Lions' defense last year, as he was ranked second in the league for total tackles. He led the Lions roster in total tackles with 176, along with 9 tackles for loss and five sacks.

On top of this, Campbell forced 3 fumbles and deflected a pass. He ended the season as the only Lions linebacker to grad First-team All-Pro honors since Chris Spielman in 1991.

Insights Into Jack Campbell's $81 Million Contract Extension

Despite declining his fifth-year option on his rookie contract, the Lions would have made Campbell a free agent after the 2026 season. Fortunately, the front office offered his contract extension a month later on May 21.

Campbell signed a four-year $81 million rookie extension, which will keep him with the Lions till 2030. This also makes the 25-year old the second-highest paid linebacker in the NFL. He would received $51.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac.

The timing of this roster seems to be aligned, as the team drafted Campbell and running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Fans and experts alike believed that Gibbs would receive a contract extension before Campbell. However, they decided to pick his fifth-year option and gave the extension to Campbell a month later.

Does Jack Campbell really have what it takes to live up to that Brian Urlacher comparison one day? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Rishab Nandi