The Detroit Lions have done a terrific job at drafting over the past several years under general manager Brad Holmes. The organization, though, is now experiencing the problem that comes with strong drafting — finding a way to re-sign all of that great talent. Most significantly, former first-round picks Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell both need new deals soon.
CBS Sports’s Joel Corry didn’t cast doubt on Detroit’s ability to get either player signed to an extension. But Corry presented potential obstacles the team will face with both negotiations.
“Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t do the Lions any favors contractually by stating that Gibbs is just scratching the surface of his talent and is an offensive weapon rather than just a runner at the NFL annual owners meeting in late March,” wrote Corry. “Those comments will likely be used as ammunition for Gibbs to join Barkley in the $20 million-per-year running back club.”
Saquon Barkley is the only NFL running back with an average annual salary greater than $20 million. Christian McCaffrey is second among running backs in average annual salary at $19 million.
Lions contract negotiations with Campbell could be harder because of recent events as well. The linebacker made his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team during the 2025 campaign.
“Campbell earning Pro Bowl honors last season created a problem for the Lions,” wrote Corry. “The value of Campbell’s fifth-year option increased by $6.801 million from $15.124 million to $21.925 million.
“The $21.925 million cost doesn’t reflect the off-ball linebacker market. That’s because pass-rushing 3-4 outside linebackers primarily determine the number.”
Therefore, the Lions might have to expedite Campbell’s extension. Otherwise, they are paying him a higher average annual salary on his fifth-year option, which could hurt the team in negotiations.
Projecting the Next Contract for RB Jahmyr Gibbs
GettyCBS Sports’s Joel Corry explained the problem the Detroit Lions will have re-signing Jahmyr Gibbs to a contract extension.
If Gibbs receives $20 million per season, he could completely reset the running back market.
The top three NFL running backs in terms of average annual salary only received 2-year extensions. So, they are actually middle of the road in terms of total contract value.
Travis Etienne, Josh Jacobs and James Cook lead running backs in total contract value. But each receives either $11.5 million or $12 million on an average annual basis.
It doesn’t seem plausible that at 24 years old, Gibbs would agree to only a 2-year extension. So, if he does get at least $20 million per season, the total value of his deal would exceed $60 million.
That’s $12 million more than any other running back right now.
It’s hard to argue Gibbs doesn’t deserve it. He’s posted back-to-back campaigns with at least 1,800 yards from scrimmage. Over his 3-year career, Gibbs has scored 49 touchdowns in 49 games.
He’s an incredible talent, which head coach Dan Campbell stressed again to reporters in March. Gibbs should get incredible-talent type money.
Will the Lions Exercise Jack Campbell’s Fifth-Year Option?
GettyCBS Sports’s Joel Corry explained the problem the Detroit Lions will have re-signing Jack Campbell to a contract extension.
One would assume Gibbs is the contract extension priority for the Lions this offseason. But that might have changed based on a couple things with Campbell.
The linebacker plays a position with better longevity, and he just made first-team All-Pro. The Lions are also likely comfortable with Gibbs playing on his fifth-year option.
Corry explained why they won’t be so comfortable with Campbell’s fifth-year option.
That will pay him $21.925 million per season. At that value, he becomes the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league.
“Fred Warner and Roquan Smith top the off-ball linebacker market with respective $21 million-per-year and $20 million-per-year deals from the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens,” wrote Corry. “Exercising Campbell’s option year will give him negotiating leverage to replace Warner as the salary standard for off-ball linebackers.”
The much wiser long-term decision for the Lions would be to ink Campbell to an extension with a lower average annual salary. The linebacker will still be highly paid but likely not as the top player in the league at his position.
Campbell had 176 combined tackles, including nine tackle for loss with five quarterback hits last season. He also had four pass defenses and three forced fumbles.
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