Linebacker Jack Campbell will officially be a Detroit Lion for the foreseeable future, and on a more team-friendly deal than originally expected.
That team-friendly deal is much to the chagrin of other LBs hoping for a big payday of their own, which Campbell acknowledged during his media presser after the first day of OTAs.
At the 15.5-minute point, Campbell responds to a question about his contract value. Campbell explained that he had "more than enough" and that his new deal was more for the "principle" that he's recognized as an elite LB rather than the desire to be the highest-paid at the position.
"I don't need to be the highest-paid, even though the guys around the league would appreciate that because it bumps up everything, so I'm sorry to them."
It would've been completely understandable if Campbell pushed to be the highest-paid LB, as the 25-year-old is coming off a First-Team All-Pro season and winning the pro football version of the Butkus award, given to the best LB at that level.
Campbell's new deal is still a pricey one at four years and $81 million, with $51.5 million guaranteed, making him the second-highest-paid LB behind Baltimore Ravens' Roquan Smith's $100 million deal signed in 2023.
Not only did Campbell not seize the opportunity to be the league's highest-paid LB, but the small details of his new contract are even more team-friendly than it initially appeared. First reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Campbell's contract comes with four void years, along with a signing bonus and bonus options throughout.
Lions LB Jack Campbell's contract includes 4 void years, an $8.612M signing bonus and option bonuses of $11.89M and $18.845M
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 26, 2026
Base salaries: 2027 $1.26M, 2028 $1.305M, 2029 $15.15M, 2030 $2.75M
What this means is that Campbell's base salary remains low, giving the team flexibility to make further moves without feeling as much of a cap crunch. Any additional Campbell extension or restructuring becomes easier in the process.
The caveat is that Campbell is still entitled to much of that money, and the void years kick that can down the road. Campbell isn't the only Lion with void years on their deal. For example, quarterback Jared Goff has a few void years with his recent restructure. That all becomes dead cap once their time in Detroit is done, which could financially hamper the early years of a potential rebuild/reload.
Love of Detroit led to a team-friendly deal
If the Lions win a Super Bowl, then few will care about what financial issues come after. The team has an impressive core that can win a title, and it's important to keep that together. It's a core Campbell feels blessed to be a part of.
"The number one thing for me throughout this whole entire process is to remain a Lion, and because I want to be a part of this. I want to be a part of this organization. Me and my wife absolutely love it here. The people have been so nice to us, and it just feels like home."
READ MORE: Jack Campbell’s unique contract announcement shows why he means so much to Lions fans
Campbell later said that he wanted to "help the team in any way possible" in order to "keep the core together." This new deal will certainly help with the looming extensions to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta, and safety Brian Branch. If Campbell desired to be the highest-paid LB, the Lions might've only been able to keep Gibbs. Now, there's potential that all three could remain Lions.
"At the end of the day, I feel like it was fair for the team," Campbell said, "and I'm more than happy with everything they've blessed me with."
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