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• By Michael Whitaker

• Updated Apr 28, 2026 at 5:31pm

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CBS Sports's Joel Corry explained the problem the Detroit Lions will have re-signing Jack Campbell to a contract extension.

All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell is entering the final season of his rookie deal, and speculation had been building on whether or not Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes would be willing to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract.

But now, that speculation has been put to rest. According to a report released earlier on Tuesday afternoon from NFL Insider Ari Meirov, the Lions are declining to pick up the option.

The Detroit Lions Will Not Pick Up The 5th Year Option On Jack Campbell’s Contract.

As Meirov explained on X, formerly known as Twitter, the decision has been reached by Lions GM Brad Holmes that the fifth-year option of Campbell’s contract won’t be picked up.

The Lions are declining the fifth-year option on All-Pro LB Jack Campbell, per Dan Miller,” wrote Meirov. “The option for Campbell was worth nearly $22M, which no off-ball linebacker currently makes. All linebackers—both OLBs and ILBs—are grouped together for the option formula, creating a unique situation similar to what the Ravens faced with Tyler Linderbaum as a center. Campbell now is set to be a free agent next year, barring an extension.” 

The news was first reported by Lions broadcaster Dan Miller, who wrote that the club also planned on picking up the fifth-year option on running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but not Campbell.

“Have learned the Lions are picking up the 5th year option on RB Jahmyr Gibbs,” Miller wrote. “They will not be picking up the 5th year option on LB Jack Campbell. W/ that number near 22 million, they will look to work out a long term deal that makes sense for both sides. 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.”