Jack Campbell Locked Up Through 2030
It appears Jack Campbell will be wearing Honolulu Blue for the foreseeable future. And honestly? About damn time.
The Lions linebacker has agreed to a long-term extension that keeps him in Detroit through the 2030 season, making it officially a four-year deal for the All-Pro linebacker. First reported by Sweta Patel and later confirmed by Campbell himself, this was the kind of no-brainer move that Brad Holmes has built his reputation on.
There was some unfounded anxiety about Campbell’s future after the Lions opted not to pick up his fifth-year option. But that decision was purely financial strategy, not a reflection of Campbell’s value. His option would have ballooned to $21.9 million because edge rushers inflated the overall price for outside linebackers.
The Heart of the Defense
Campbell, one of the Lions’ two first-round picks in 2023, has been one of Detroit’s biggest defensive playmakers. Over three years, he has racked up 402 tackles, 8.5 sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and 19 tackles for loss.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. After taking over play-calling duties and the departure of linebacker Alex Anzalone, Campbell has become one of the most important leaders on the defensive side of the ball. This is a guy who embodies everything Dan Campbell wants in a Lion.
First of Many Extensions Coming
Campbell becomes the first player from the Lions’ loaded 2023 draft class to get extended, but he won’t be the last. Holmes has already expressed interest in locking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs, safety Brian Branch, and tight end Sam LaPorta as well.
That 2023 draft class might go down as one of the best in franchise history. And yes, I know what you’re thinking – we’ve said that before about other draft classes that didn’t pan out. But this feels different because Holmes is different.
Getting Campbell locked up long-term is the kind of move that builds championship rosters. You find your core players, you pay them, and you build around them. Simple as that.
Think Holmes overpaid for a linebacker or was this exactly the right move at the right time? Drop your take below.
This is what winning organizations do. You find your guys, you pay them, you build around them. Jack Campbell is a monster and he deserves to be a Lion for life. Holmes gets it.
I like Campbell a lot but locking him up for 4 more years feels like a lot of commitment to a linebacker in today’s game. I hope it works out but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the long term cap hit here.
You know what I love about this? We’re not sitting around wondering if our good players are leaving. That used to be the story every single year with this team. Now we’re keeping our guys. That’s a different franchise and it feels good.