With the hoopla of the 2026 NFL draft, it’s easy to forget that the Detroit Lions have to be focused on more than just bringing in a new rookie class. Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes and company are also dealing with cap space and whether to how to go about renewing deals for existing players.
One of those players is popular running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions drafted him with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama, and at the time, it was a controversial choice, since at the time, NFL experts thought it was a waste to draft a running back that high in the draft.
But, don’t question Holmes, because this choice proved to be the right one. Just look at the numbers. According to research from ESPN, Gibbs clocked 1,223 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns and 5 yards per carry in 2025, wrapping up seventh in rushing yards and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns in the league.
Will the Detroit Lions Exercise the Fifth-Year Option on Jahmyr Gibbs?
So, the question following the NFL draft has been whether or not the Lions will exercise the fifth-year option for Gibbs. Now, we have an answer.
According to a report from ESPN, the Lions will exercise the fifth-year choice for Gibbs but not for linebacker Jack Campbell.
“Gibbs’ fifth-year option for the 2027 season is valued at $14.29 million while Campbell’s option was an estimated $21.925 million,” the ESPN report from Eric Woodyard states, “which would’ve been more than the NFL’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker.”
He adds that “Gibbs is viewed as one of the most electrifying players in the league with his blazing speed coupled with his dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver.”
It was frankly a no-brainer decision to do the fifth-year option for Gibbs. Also, since all running backs are categorized together, it was a clear-cut and realistic rate. However, for Campbell, linebackers are combined with outside linebackers, which includes the expensive edge defenders in the league, which is why his rate was just too much. So, remember, this has nothing to do with Campbell’s talent. It was about dollars and cents.
But, back to Gibbs. He’s really one of the most electrifying pieces of the Detroit Lions’ squad, and it’s a relief to see him with the team for the immediate future.
All Eyes Are on the Detroit Lions’ Edge Pick in Derrick Moore
Looking at the Detroit Lions’ draft class, the big news was the team trading up to get Michigan edge Derrick Moore. Thank you, Holmes.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN wasn’t super hot on the move, but there’s something he likes about it. “Will a second-round pick in Derrick Moore get the job done?” he says. “I might have gone with Zion Young, who went one pick later, but I think there’s upside for an eventual all-Michigan edge combo of Hutchinson and Moore (who had 10 sacks last season).”
This reporter is relieved and frankly ecstatic that the Lions made an investment in the edge position. If they weren’t willing to get one in free agency or via a trade, the draft was the way to do it.
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