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Lions Pick Up Gibbs, Drop Campbell’s Option, Seek Extensions

4/29/2026

Summary

Lions Extend Gibbs

On April 28, 2026, the Detroit Lions exercised running back Jahmyr Gibbs’s fifth-year option for $14.293 million and declined linebacker Jack Campbell’s $21.925 million option for 2027.
The team said it will pursue long-term contracts with both players.
In 2025 Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Campbell posted 176 tackles and five sacks, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors respectively.

Summary

Lions Extend

The Lions, after selecting five defensive players in their seven 2026 Draft picks, will negotiate long-term extensions for second-round tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch.
Jahmyr Gibbs posted 49 touchdowns in his first three seasons, breaking Barry Sanders’ record.
Jack Campbell earned the Dick Butkus award and was a first-team All-Pro last season.
The CBA classifies off-ball linebackers with edge rushers, making Campbell’s fifth-year option about $22 million.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s hard salary cap debuted in the 1994 season at $34.6 million, forcing teams to restructure contracts. That early cap era produced high-value deals like the Dallas Cowboys’ $30 million extension for quarterback Troy Aikman under owner Jerry Jones. Detroit’s 2026 option choices on Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell echo those precedent-setting extensions as the Lions navigate the modern cap.

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Lions Extend Gibbs

On April 28, 2026, the Detroit Lions exercised running back Jahmyr Gibbs’s fifth-year option for $14.293 million and declined linebacker Jack Campbell’s $21.925 million option for 2027.
The team said it will pursue long-term contracts with both players.
In 2025 Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Campbell posted 176 tackles and five sacks, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors respectively.

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