Lions Decline Jack Campbell's Fifth-Year Option

The Detroit Lions declined the fifth-year option for linebacker Jack Campbell this week, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. Ironically, Campbell had the best year of his young career in 2025, when he had 176 tackles (89 solo), five sacks, nine tackles for loss, five QB hits, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts to earn Pro Bowl honors. But it wasn't enough to convince the Lions, so the former 18th overall pick in 2023 out of Iowa will now head into the final year of his rookie contract this fall. The 25-year-old has 100-plus combined tackles in each of the last two seasons and has contributed 8.5 sacks in 51 games (46 starts) while not missing a game in his first three years in the NFL. If Campbell has another strong season in 2026, look for the Lions to try to extend him before he reaches free agency next March. In IDP fantasy formats, Campbell was the No. 1 overall linebacker, with his 89 solo tackles ranking fourth, behind Jordyn Brooks, Cedric Gray, and Devin White.

Source: The Detroit News - Nolan Bianchi