It feels like an inevitability that the Detroit Lions will be getting a huge contract extension done with Jahmyr Gibbs this offseason. The star running back, drafted back in 2023, has catapulted to the top of the league in multiple statistical categories, and has rivaled even Lions legend Barry Sanders' career through just three seasons.
With David Montgomery officially gone after getting traded to the Houston Texans, it's clear that this is Gibbs' running back room now. But, that leaves Detroit with another other huge decision to make on their other 2023 first round draftee, Jack Campbell, especially as we creep towards the May 1 deadline for fifth-year options to get exercised on players taken in the first round of that draft.
If Campbell and the Lions can't come to an agreement on a deal ahead of the 2025 season, look to the team to exercise this option as Campbell is the heart and soul of Detroit's defense right now.
Lions must be conscious of huge Jack Campbell deadline
In an ideal world, Detroit would be able to extend Gibbs, Campbell, Brian Branch, and Sam LaPorta, and we can keep watching a fun portion of the Lions' young core continue to grow long-term. We live in reality, though, and the Lions are working with limited cap space and likely even smaller room after they get a Gibbs deal done.
But, it'd be pretty foolish to not want to retain Campbell. Assuming Detroit is not able to retain Alex Anzalone in free agency, Campbell's importance to Detroit's defense grows even larger. He's a versatile linebacker who can play the MIKE and WILL, and he's an excellent compliment to Derrick Barnes in that respect.
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He was one of the top linebackers in the league in 2025, posting 89 solo tackles in addition to three forced fumbles and five sacks. He's also only going to be 26 once the new season kicks off, making him a great timeline fit with another defensive phenom in Aidan Hutchinson on this roster.
Now, Detroit could exercise his fifth-year option in order to keep him out of free agency at the end of this coming season, giving them more time to make something work with their cap space. Campbell could get another year to prove his worth, while the Lions get more flexibility. It feels very likely that this is the path Detroit takes with Campbell, as Gibbs is the priority.