Lions Decline Jack Campbell's Option, Chess Move Ahead

0:00On April 28th, the Detroit Lions just made a big call on Linebacker Jack Campbell's contract. They declined his fifth year option for the 2027 season, which would have paid him $22 million. Now he's locked in only through the 2026 campaign. That option price got jacked up because the NFL lumps inside Linebackers like Campbell with higher paid edge rushers in the formula. No pure off-ball guy commands that kind of cash, so passing on it was pretty much expected. Lions fans aren't thrilled, knowing this could signal the end of Campbell's run in Detroit if no new deal happens. The team faces a crunch with other stars like running back to mere Gibbs and tied in Sam LaPorta, eyeing massive extension soon. Campbell's got a grind for a long-term pact before 2026 reps, or he'll hit free agency and shop his skills elsewhere. With cap space tight and priority stacking up, the Lions are playing chess here, keeping flexibility while Campbell proves his worth on the field.

1:00I'm Corey with The Story, and you've been listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage.