It appears Jack Campbell will be a Detroit Lion for the foreseeable future.
As first reported by Sweta Patel—and later confirmed by the player himself (and the team)—the Lions linebacker has agreed to a long-term extension. Details were not initially available, but the team announced he is now signed through the 2030 season. That makes it officially a four-year extension for the All-Pro linebacker.
There was some unfounded anxiety about Campbell’s future in Detroit after the Lions opted not to pick
up his fifth-year option. But as we explained in that news piece, Campbell’s option would have been inflated because outside linebackers—see: edge rushers—inflated the overall price of that option to $21.9 million.
Campbell, one of the Lions’ two first-round picks in 2023, has been one of the biggest playmakers on Detroit’s defense over the past few years. And after taking over play-calling duties and the departure of linebacker Alex Anzalone, it’s safe to say he’s one of the most important leaders on that side of the ball, as well.
In three years, Campbell has produced 402 tackles, 8.5 sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and 19 tackles for loss.
Campbell becomes the first of four players from the Lions’ 2023 draft class likely to get an extension from the team. Lions general manager Brad Holmes has already expressed an interest in extending running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Brian Branch, and tight end Sam LaPorta, as well. As of now, it’s unclear how much progress they’ve made on each of those players.
