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After the 2026 NFL Draft, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the contract situation the team faces with linebacker Jack Campbell.

With the 2026 NFL Draft complete, NFL general managers can begin turning more of their attention to any remaining offseason contract decisions. Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has a big one with linebacker Jack Campbell.

The Lions have until Friday to decide whether to exercise Campbell’s fifth-year option.

“Yeah, we’re still having those discussions and trying to see what we’re going to do,” Holmes told reporters Saturday in his post-draft press conference. “But we’re having open dialogue. Once we get them executed, you guys will be the first ones to know.”

When asked specifically about Campbell’s fifth-year option being so expensive, Holmes mostly repeated his answer.

“Yeah, like I said, we’re having dialogue with the agents, and when they happen, you guys will know,” concluded the general manager.

Campbell’s fifth-year option will cost $21.925 million. If the team exercises the option, the Lions would agree to pay the linebacker that cost for the 2027 NFL season.

The $21.925 million salary would make Campbell the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL.

Why Jack Campbell’s Fifth-Year Option is So Expensive

On April 15, CBS Sports’s Joel Corry analyzed the fifth-year contract options around the NFL. Corry explained why Campbell’s option will be so expensive.

“Campbell earning Pro Bowl honors last season created a problem for the Lions,” wrote Corry. “The value of Campbell’s fifth-year option increased by $6.801 million from $15.124 million to $21.925 million.

“The $21.925 million cost doesn’t reflect the off-ball linebacker market. That’s because pass-rushing 3-4 outside linebackers primarily determine the number.”

For fifth-year options, the NFL groups all linebackers together. So, the option formula took into account contracts for edge rushers to determine Campbell’s worth.

Edge rushers are more expensive than inside linebackers. In summary, the formula inflated the fifth-year option amount for Campbell. The value also rose this offseason because of the former first-rounder’s 2025 Pro Bowl season.

Will Lions Sign Campbell to Contract Extension?

Due to the higher than desired fifth-year option, the Lions face a difficult decision with Campbell this week.

Placing the fifth-year option on the linebacker would prevent him from reaching free agency next offseason. But it could also raise his price in long-term negotiations.

Indirectly, by exercising the fifth-year option, the Lions could be raising the market for all inside linebackers.

In a perfect world, the Lions would avoid the option and just sign Campbell to a long-term deal. But the team has to do that this week if it wants an agreement before the option deadline.

Complicating matters further, the Lions also have a fifth-year option deadline with running back Jahmyr Gibbs on Friday. Both Campbell and Gibbs are intricate Lions players and should be major parts of the team’s future.

The fifth-year option for Gibbs will be $14.293 million for the 2027 season. But a long-term deal with the running back could pay Gibbs north of $20 million per season.

Holmes has to take that into account with any decision he makes on Campbell’s contract.

Campbell made first-team All-Pro for the first time last season with 176 combined tackles. He also had nine tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, five sacks, four pass defenses and three forced fumbles.

The linebacker also earned a Pro Bowl nomination for the first time in 2025.

In three NFL seasons, Campbell has averaged 134 tackles, six tackles for loss and about three sacks per campaign.