Quite a few pundits have questioned whether the NFL needs to alter its fifth-year option rules after the Detroit Lions declined the option for linebacker Jack Campbell this spring. The Lions made that decision because the fifth-year of the contract would have paid Campbell as an edge rusher rather than inside linebacker.
NFL insider Albert Breer, though, strongly argued at the beginning of this week no change to the fifth-year option rules is necessary.
“I’m calling BS on that….”
“The reality is that most rules don’t work in the players’ favor. Tight ends who are basically used as big receivers don’t get the receiver tag number,” wrote Breer. “Tight ends who are more well-rounded get screwed worse. Safeties aren’t grouped with corners, keeping their numbers down. The rules, in many ways, work well for the teams.
“That a couple don’t mean it shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to cry foul.”
Campbell’s fifth-year option was worth $21.925 million. With that amount, Campbell would have become the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL during 2027.
Instead, the Lions declined the option. Campbell will become an unrestricted free agent next March.
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