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New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Lions OTAs observations: Jared Goff-John Morton relationship, more Jameson Williams hype
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — It's a new year for the Detroit Lions. They have new players. They have new assistant coaches and coordinators. However, Dan Campbell remains the same. He's the constant variable for this franchise, with so many moving parts in this equation. Talking to him for the first time in nearly two months, that was evident Friday. Campbell was on hand to discuss Detroit's offseason and OTA practices. He wants his team to have the same mentality it carried as its ascent to contender status began. One of his best traits is his ability to focus on what matters and get others to do the same. Advertisement That's what he's tried to do this month. These OTA sessions, however limited, give Campbell and his staff a chance to evaluate what they have before the pads go on in training camp. And as disappointing as last year's abrupt finish was for this group, they've quickly moved on. Campbell won't let them dwell, won't let them get complacent and won't let them think they're good enough to coast through a season. 'We've gotten to where we've gotten because we haven't been complacent and we have gone and put the work in again and done all the little things that you have to do to win games and win a division again,' Campbell said. 'And so, we got to do that all over again.' OTA Week 1 💪 — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 30, 2025 Much has been made of Detroit's 2025 schedule. They play 12 nationally televised games. They play the two Super Bowl teams — the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs — on the road. Seven of their nine road games come against 2024 playoff teams, while the other two — the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears — should be competitive in 2025. And the list of quarterbacks includes Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott. They have their work cut out for them. And Campbell can't wait. 'I love the schedule we have this year because this is the type of schedule that builds you for the postseason,' Campbell said. 'Like, man, you better be on it. And we're going to get tested. Early and often and all year long, and it's freaking awesome. It's really how you want it. So, we'll be ready to go when the time's right.' At this point, the Lions understand the regular season is just the precursor. They've had a 9-8 season, playing some of the best football in the league, only to fall short without a chance to prove themselves. They've gone 15-2, only to stumble at home in their first playoff game. Advertisement Campbell and the Lions will take it week by week, but they see the value in having a tough schedule. In some ways, it makes your path to the playoffs more difficult. But if you've faced playoff-caliber teams before you meet them in playoffs, you don't have to prep as much as you normally would, and have a better feel for how they might look to attack you. If the Lions are as good as they think they can be, this schedule will harden them and prepare them for the postseason. And remember: those teams have to play the Lions. That sentence has a different meaning now compared to past years, in part, because of Campbell's leadership. Perfect mentality to take into the season. Speaking for the first time since the 2024 season ended, Goff was asked about the potential narratives to come, as life without Ben Johnson unfolds. His comments were, uh, pointed. 'Well, it won't be unless you guys write about it,' Goff said. Fair enough, Jared. However, it is worth writing about — for a couple of reasons. The first: Campbell wants Goff to be as comfortable as possible. He identified Morton as a fit because of his work with Goff in 2022. It was a prerequisite for the job and something Campbell laid out before he started interviewing candidates. It's one of the most important relationships on the team, so it warrants some attention. But while acknowledging that, we can also acknowledge that Goff isn't the same kid he was in Los Angeles, trying to live up to his No. 1 overall pedigree and keep a demanding coaching staff happy. He's matured. He's grown. He reads defenses better. He gets the Lions into good plays and out of bad ones with the control he's been given. He's one of the NFL's best tight-window throwers and always knows where to go with the football. As a husband and a soon-to-be father, Goff has experience both in football and life. His game has aged gracefully, and the Lions are in a good place because of him. It's worth mentioning because of how far he's come. Advertisement In other words, Goff doesn't need a handler. He just needs a coordinator who will continue what the Lions have already built. He believes he has that in Morton. 'I love Johnny Mo,' Goff said. 'I have familiarity with Johnny. Some of it's changing, some of it's remaining the same. The biggest challenge is just getting on the same page with what we like, and we're just constantly working through that. No different than any of the new coaches here. Learning what we like, what we've done, getting used to the way Dan wants to play games. We'll be fine. Like I said, Johnny's done a hell of a job up to this point, and he's only getting better.' 'I think he and Johnny are going to work well together,' Campbell said. 'They have worked well together. They've been working this offseason together, tweaking things. They, you know, talk to each other, call one another, making sure that both were comfortable with what we were doing, and everything we do is always going to start with the quarterback, especially Goff. So, he's going to be fine.' That sound you're hearing is the Jameson Williams hype train leaving the station, with seemingly every player and coach aboard, ready to have their tickets punched. The newest conductors? Campbell and Goff. 'He's already made it, man,' Goff said, when asked what it'll take for Williams to make the next step. 'It's been awesome to see. He's done a hell of a job. Just continue to do what he's done, and just get more consistent — and he's done that. He really has. He's working hard, he's being a leader now, which is fun to see him grow into that and show guys how he wants to do things. He's talking to me a ton. It's fun, man.' 'The sky's the limit for him,' Campbell said. 'He's exactly where we want him to be right now at this point, man. He's been here, he's grinding, he's getting better. Scottie's freaking grinding him, it's awesome. We expect him to have a huge season. We really do, man.' Advertisement Williams said he finally feels like a veteran. That's saying something, considering he's been everyone's little brother since he arrived. But you can start to see it. The Lions have four rookie receivers here for OTAs, and Williams has become a sounding board for them. He has answers to their questions, he offers tips and advice and gives detailed responses about coverages. Campbell said Williams has gotten stronger, too, which will be key for him as he faces physical corners. Everyone here is impressed with how far he's come. Except, well, Jamo. He knows he's always had this in him. 'I wouldn't say I changed anything,' Williams said. 'Just to go out there and be the best, work the hardest. My dad, he always texts me, 'Outwork everybody.' No matter who it is, outwork everybody.' So, you know, that's just my mentality. I guess, just going into year four, you know, I got a little pep in my step. You know, I'm becoming a vet, moving over from the rookie stage, and I'm just ready to play more football and be more consistent for my team.' — The following players were either limited or did not practice: Myles Adams, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Tyleik Williams, Mekhi Wingo, Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, Khalil Dorsey, Miles Frazier, Kenny Yeboah, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Isaac TeSlaa, David Montgomery and Sione Vaki. Additionally, Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone were not in attendance. — Here's what Campbell had to say about players who might sit because of contract issues: 'I think what's great is that any player that I talk to, I have a relationship with and there's an open line of communication. Whatever I say to those players, I'm not going to say to you guys. I never will. …Listen, I'm not worried about anything. I know this, we're in late May. Is it even June yet? I don't even — we're not even June. So, life's good. We're going to be just fine.' — Campbell confirmed the Lions will host joint practices with the Dolphins and Texans — two with Miami and one with Houston. — An interesting nugget from Campbell: When Morton was a senior offensive assistant with the Lions in 2022, Campbell said Morton would often give him and Ben Johnson play calls for certain situations — like third-and-12 — for the Lions to run. Campbell said Morton's done this throughout his NFL career — not just in his stint as Jets OC. Advertisement — With so many players out or limited, it was hard to get a feel for the defense. Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez and Marcus Davenport took first-team reps. Ennis Rakestraw was a first-team corner. Jack Campbell directed traffic with Anzalone out. — Lions G Tate Ratledge spent the majority of his day repping at center with the first-team offense. Ragnow was not in attendance and the Lions want Ratledge to cross-train at both center and guard. Glasgow and Mahogany were the first-team guards next to Ratledge, with Glasgow playing some center as well. — Staying on the topic of center reps, how about a bit of a surprise? Colby Sorsdal was one of the players repping at center on Friday. An interesting development for a player who'll need to fight for his roster spot this year. Ratledge, Mahogany and Frazier could all pass him on the guard depth chart, so adding center responsibilities could help his chances of sticking around. — Keep in mind things were somewhat limited, but at least during the time we were out there, Detroit's backup quarterbacks — Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen — didn't particularly flash. A lot of checkdowns, overthrows and would-be sacks. Detroit's second-string defensive line was ahead of its second-string offensive line, which is typical in offseason practices. Of note: Hooker was always the first reserve QB out on the field. — Sixth-round DE Ahmed Hassanein had a would-be sack in one of the team periods vs. the No. 2 offense and immediately turned to defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and yelled. Coaches were hyped. Hassanein was hyped. That's the energy you should come to expect from him in practice. He's gonna bring it every day. — Rakestraw got a lot of work with Terrion Arnold out and spent the majority of his time on the outside. Seems like the Lions like Amik Robertson and Avonte Maddox at nickel and want to develop Rakestraw on the outside. I thought he had a strong day. He put the clamps on Jameson Williams on a rep. Goff was looking his way and had to check down to Tom Kennedy. Williams had to adjust his jersey after the play, which gives you an idea of the physicality Rakestraw plays with. On another rep in the 7-on-7 period, Rakestraw had a near-interception on a pass from Goff intended for Kennedy. Jack Campbell and D.J. Reed both singled out Rakestraw as an early standout. — Morice Norris quietly had a good day. With Branch out, Norris spent quite a bit of time next to Joseph in team periods and walk-throughs. The 2024 UDFA has an opportunity to seize the No. 3 or 4 safety job. Advertisement — Marcus Davenport swatted a Goff pass intended for Craig Reynolds at the line of scrimmage, which drew some praise from the coaching staff and teammates. Later in practice, he jumped offsides and was clowned by players on offense. The trash talk from this bunch is hilarious to watch. And focusing on Davenport for a second — it's good to see him out there after another injury-shortened season. It's fair to ask how long he'll be able to hold up, but he seems locked in as the starting edge opposite of Hutchinson right now. — Goff spent a few minutes talking strategy with Morton after practice. A little thing, but nice to see as that relationship is crucial for this team. (Photo of Jameson Williams: Amy Lemus / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lions Coach's Latest Aidan Hutchinson Quote Will Excite Detroit Fans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Following a 2024 NFL season that saw the Detroit Lions go 15-2, the team quickly lost in their first playoff matchup against the Washington Commanders. It was a disappointing way to end an otherwise amazing year. Dan Campbell and company have had an entire offseason to think about that loss. They will be more than ready to get the 2025 season underway in September. Throughout the 2024 season, the Lions were hit with multiple major injury issues. Most notably, superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson missed a huge chunk of the season after suffering a season-ending broken tibia and fibula against the Dallas Cowboys. Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by ReyLosing Hutchinson was a devastating blow for the Detroit defense. He is one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL and was having an elite year. Read more: Vikings Linked as Possible Trade Suitor for Packers Star In the five games he played before the injury, the 24-year-old superstar had racked up 19 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. New updates have come out about Hutchinson. He seems to be back on his feet and ready to play at a high level once again during the upcoming 2025 season. Kelvin Sheppard, the team's new defensive coordinator who replaced Aaron Glenn, spoke out with a quote about Hutchinson that will excite Lions fans. "There's not a more resilient, mentally tough guy than that type of injury during that type of season that he was on course of having could have happened to," he said. "He's the most energetic guy on the field. I said, 'Hutch, you know how I know you back?' He's like, 'How?' 'Because you're touching that ground when you run that hoop.' That's that little thing he does like he's some supernatural cat, which he is." Read more: Bears Again Connected to Potential Major Late-Free Agency Move Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Detroit is going to need the best version of Hutchinson to accomplish its goal. There is one only one goal for the Lions, which is to win the Super Bowl. Nothing short of that would be considered successful. On the outside looking in, Detroit appears to have the kind of roster needed to make that kind of run. A healthy version of Hutchinson would have made a huge difference last year in the playoffs, and he'll be taking out his frustration for missing the run out on the field this year. Hutchinson seems poised for a big season. Hopefully, he stays healthy and can get back to making the elite impact for the Lions that he has made to this point in his career. For more Detroit Lions and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dan Campbell not worried about Ragnow, Anzalone missing the Lions OTAs
Dan Campbell not worried about Ragnow, Anzalone missing the Lions OTAs The Detroit Lions are holding voluntary OTAs this week, and Friday marked the first opportunity for the media to observe practice. We also got to talk with head coach Dan Campbell prior to the afternoon session. Before fielding questions, Campbell preemptively noted that not every Lions veteran is in attendance for the OTAs. "We only have two guys who aren't here right now," Campbell stated. "I know who they are, I know where they are. I talked to them and we're all good." The two, whom Campbell did not name, are linebacker Alex Anzalone and center Frank Ragnow. Both are away from the team with perceived contractual desires, though that has not explicitly been stated by either player. Ragnow was the highest-paid center in the NFL when he signed his contract extension back in 2021, but that deal runs out after 2026. Ragnow is now fourth in the center pecking order in terms of average annual salary, and none of his salary in 2025 or 2026 is guaranteed. The 29-year-old Ragnow remains an elite pivot. Anzalone, now 31, is entering the final year of his three-year, $18.75 million contract, with the 2026 season being a void year on the deal. He's due $6 million in 2025 but none of that salary is guaranteed. With the OTAs being voluntary, there is no issue with either missing the workouts. Campbell made that very clear in his comments. The first mandatory activities aren't until training camp, which will kick off in July. The mandatory minicamp slated for early June has been canceled due to the Lions' inclusion in the Hall of Fame game.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dan Campbell: Detroit Lions 2025 schedule is 'the right kind of brutal'
The Detroit Lions have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this fall, and that's just fine by coach Dan Campbell. Campbell said before the Lions' third practice of organized team activities that he welcomes the Lions' grueling 2025 schedule as a way to prepare the team for the playoffs. Advertisement The Lions went a franchise-record 15-2 last season and lost their playoff opener to the Washington Commanders. "I love the schedule we have this year because this is the type of schedule that builds you for the postseason," Campbell said. "Like, man, you better be on it. And we're going to get tested early and often and all year long, and it's fricking awesome. It's really how you want it. So we'll be ready to go when the time's right." ANALYSIS: Lions open OTAs as position battles loom Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches practice during rookie mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Lions are tied with the Chicago Bears for the second-toughest strength of schedule, based on last year's win percentage. Advertisement They play 11 games against 2025 playoff teams, including home-and-away series with division rivals the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The Lions, like all NFC teams, play nine road and eight home games this fall, and all of their road games are against playoff contenders and in national television windows. The Lions visit the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, along with the Packers, Bears and Vikings. ANALYSIS: Lions 2025 schedule predictions: Game-by-game picks, final record "It's awesome, man," Campbell said. "I mean, to me, by the end of the year we ought to be just scarred up. We should be scarred up and ready to go, hardened for battle and ready for the playoffs. And there'll be nothing easy about it. You still, just to get through our own division is going to be brutal, but it's the right kind of brutal." Advertisement Dave Birkett is the author of the book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@ Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dan Campbell: Detroit Lions schedule 'the right kind of brutal'
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Assessing Lions' looming homegrown player bills, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson
On the final day of March, set to speak at the NFL's owners' meetings later that day, Lions GM Brad Holmes woke up with an analogy in his head, one he felt succinctly explained the predicament of the roster he's assembled, and the discipline needed to ensure it stays intact. 'You have financial responsibilities,' Holmes began. 'You have a mortgage or your kid's college fund, your 529, you have insurance you have to pay. You know you have to pay those things. But that might require that you can't take the vacation you really want right now this summer. So, that's kind of where we are right now. 'We had so many of these young players that have been on rookie deals and we've been enjoying the impact that they've all been bringing. But now, a bill is coming.' OTA = Outwork Them All — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 29, 2025 The quote was in response to questions about Detroit's free-agency approach — conservative when compared to others in the NFC North and the league in general. Holmes reiterated his philosophy: using free agency to fill depth and add affordable starters, while saving money to re-sign Detroit's homegrown talents. And to be clear, there are many deserving of an extension. Advertisement It comes with the territory when you're drafting as well as Holmes has. The Lions have already dished out extensions to Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Derrick Barnes and Kerby Joseph — all drafted by Holmes. They've also extended Jared Goff, Taylor Decker and David Montgomery. But with more extensions looming, will the Lions be able to retain the majority of their young core? Or will they be forced to trade or let a few walk? Good problems to have, but problems nonetheless. Let's take a look at some homegrown players due for paydays and how they fit into Detroit's plans. Overview: The Lions have done well to take care of their 2021 draft class, which was the first for this regime. Sewell, St. Brown, McNeill and Barnes have all been extended, but there might not be room in the budget for another standout from that class — Onwuzurike. A 2021 second-round pick, Onwuzurike was viewed as a disruptive three-technique to build around. However, a back injury stunted his development and forced him to miss the entire 2022 season. He returned in 2023, but clearly was shaking off the rust. But last season was a true breakout year. Onwuzurike ranked top 15 among defensive tackles in pressures (45) and win rate (12.2 percent; min. 125 pass rush snaps) last season, per PFF. It felt like Onwuzurike and the Lions would part ways this offseason, but he's back for the 2025 season. It's possible teams were hesitant to pay him with just one year of meaningful NFL production, but another year could price him out of Detroit. Market and players to watch: Quite frankly, the Lions were lucky to get him back at his current price — a one-year deal worth $4 million. If he produces another top-15 quality season, could he find himself making top-15 money? That would put him at $20 million annually. He'd be 28 next March and very much in the prime of his career. In that scenario, it'd be hard to envision him back with the Lions. But Onwuzurike must first prove he can replicate his 2024 breakout. Lions G Kevin Zeitler asked for his thoughts on Detroit's defensive line. Zeitler: "I think we're gonna have two $20-plus million dollar D-tackles soon." Followed up with him to ask who he was talking about. Alim McNeill and…Levi Onwuzurike. — Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 1, 2024 Overview: Moving onto the 2022 class, the big name is, of course, Hutchinson. The No. 2 pick in that draft, Hutchinson has lived up to that pedigree and more. He's elevated his game each year in the league and is now one of the game's elite edge rushers — on a torrid pace before a broken leg ended a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber start. That means he'll come at a price, but the Lions will happily pay it to keep one of the faces of the franchise. They already picked up his fifth-year option, guaranteeing he'll be with the Lions through the 2026 season. But it's only a matter of time before he and the team agree to an extension. Market and players to watch: Myles Garrett reset the market this offseason, signing a 4-year, $160 million contract that made him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at an AAV of $40 million. Maxx Crosby signed for 35.5 million per year. You have to think Hutchinson, who's younger than both, will be closer to Garrett than Crosby. He could wind up in the $40 million tier of pass rushers. Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise. Advertisement Overview: Williams' career in Detroit has been one thing after another. A torn ACL limited him to four games as a rookie in 2022. A gambling suspension sidelined him for four games in 2023. A two-game suspension in 2024, amid a breakout year. The turbulence accompanying him has often overshadowed his on-field traits. But we saw his potential realized in 2024, en route to a 1,000-yard season in his first year as a starter. Williams' value to the Lions is clear. His speed is game-changing and opens things up for everyone around him. Detroit's offense was nearly impossible to stop with him producing. He's one of the guys now, and if he continues to grow, he'll be paid soon. Whether or not the Lions will be the team that foots that bill beyond the fifth-year option they picked up is TBD. 'In terms of (an) extension, again, there's a lot of extensions that are hopefully coming,' Holmes said when asked specifically if Williams is an extension candidate. 'But it's just one that you just don't know what's going to happen from a financial standpoint, because a wide receiver is expensive. Very expensive. So, look, these are good problems.' Market and players to watch: Williams is a No. 2 receiver in Detroit's offense, so that's what we'll use to evaluate his market. Some notable No. 2 receivers who've signed extensions recently include DeVonta Smith ($25 million AAV), Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million AAV), and Tee Higgins ($28.75 million AAV). All of those players have had more production and less off-the-field drama than Williams, but with another strong season, Williams could solidify himself as one of the top No. 2 receivers in the league. If that happens, he'll be paid as such. By someone. Of all the players on this list, Williams might have the most trade value. Teams are always looking for speed, and if the Lions view Williams as the odd-man-out, they could look to trade him next season in exchange for draft capital. The Lions traded much of their 2026 capital to acquire Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa in the draft this year. Overview: The 2023 NFL Draft was stacked at tight end, and LaPorta flew under the radar among his peers. Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer, Luke Musgrave and others ranked higher on the consensus big board, but the Lions made LaPorta the second-highest tight end drafted that year. Since then, LaPorta has led the 2023 class and ranks top five among all tight ends in receptions (146), yards (1,615) and touchdowns (17). He's still working to polish his blocking, but he's not a negative there, and his ability to produce yards after the catch and come down with contested catches makes him a quarterback's best friend. He's one of the game's elite receiving tight ends, and his egoless on-field style makes him an excellent culture fit. Advertisement 'There were a lot of weapons last year, so I kept hearing comments this offseason, 'Why didn't you get the ball as much?'' LaPorta said. 'It's like, 'Dude, we scored the most points of any team in the NFL in the last five years. Everybody deserves the ball.'' Market and players to watch: George Kittle and Trey McBride just reset the tight end market this offseason with new contracts paying them north of $19 million per season. Mark Andrews and David Njoku are free agents next offseason. LaPorta has two more years left on his rookie deal, but 2026 is likely when he'll begin contract talks with the Lions. It could end with him becoming a $20 million TE. Given his early success and do-it-all mentality, LaPorta should be high on the list of players to extend. This franchise has searched far and wide for a mainstay at tight end and finally has one in LaPorta. Overview: Branch was viewed as one of the top defensive players in the 2023 draft, but fell to the second round because of questions about his speed and athleticism. The league's loss was Detroit's gain, though, as the Lions traded up three spots in the second round to acquire his services. Since then, Branch has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He was a standout nickel as a rookie and earned Pro Bowl honors at safety in Year 2. He can hit, cover and blitz, making him a defensive coordinator's dream. As a second-round pick, Branch doesn't have a fifth-year option, which means he'll hit free agency after the 2026 season. Like LaPorta, extension talks will likely begin next offseason. Market and players to watch: Kerby Joseph, Branch's running mate at safety, is the highest-paid safety in the league. He signed a four-year, $86 million extension in April. Could Branch surpass that? And would it make sense for the Lions to have two safeties making north of $20 million per year? That's the number to beat. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton is another player who will soon join the $20 million club. He has had a similar trajectory and plays a similar style, not to mention they're about the same age. You have to think Branch will be taken care of. He's one of the most valuable players on this Detroit defense. Zuppppppppperrr DESERVE EVERY LAST PENNY 💯 — Alpha🐕 (@BrianBB_1) April 23, 2025 Overview: The Lions told the NFL that running backs do, in fact, matter when they selected Gibbs 12th in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was called a reach. It was described as a poor use of draft capital. But Gibbs has been a catalyst for this offense, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors to begin his career. When David Montgomery injured his knee late last year, Gibbs proved he could elevate his game, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 162.3 scrimmage yards from Weeks 16-18. He's one of the best running backs in the league and he's just getting started. Market and players to watch: Saquon Barkley (two years, $41.2 million) and Derrick Henry (two years, $30 million) both signed extensions this offseason, and Christian McCaffrey is right between them at $19 million per year. If the Lions pick up Gibbs' fifth-year option next year, he'll be signed through the 2027 season, so there's no rush to get something done next year. But James Cook, Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker are all set to hit free agency in 2026. They're ones to watch. Bijan Robinson, selected ahead of Gibbs in 2023, is on a similar timeline. Gibbs is an elite running back and will be paid as one. When it's time to discuss an extension, expect Gibbs to eclipse the $20 million mark, and it wouldn't be surprising if he becomes the highest-paid back in football. Advertisement Overview: The Lions made a surprising pick when they drafted Campbell 18th in 2023, but he was the highest-graded player on their board. They didn't hesitate to take him. Holmes said Campbell's size, length, range and physicality stood out to him in the pre-draft process. Those traits were on display in his second season, where he started all 17 games at middle linebacker and recorded 131 tackles with a top-5 PFF grade among linebackers (min. 600 snaps). Campbell is a guy who'd play 34 games a season if they let him. He's been a perfect fit on and off the field, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's voted a captain soon. He has the look of a 10-year anchor in the heart of Detroit's defense, should the Lions extend him. Market and players to watch: Campbell is coming off an excellent sophomore season, and if he repeats it in Year 3, he'll cement his status as a true core player. As a first-round pick, he comes with a fifth-year option, so like Gibbs, the Lions don't have to rush this one. Fred Warner reset the market for linebackers, signing a 3-year, $63 million extension ($21 million AAV) with the 49ers this month. That surpassed Roquan Smith's AAV, which was previously the highest at $20 million. The Eagles signed Zack Baun to a 3-year, $51 million extension this offseason, while Kansas City's Nick Bolton signed a 3-year, $45 million extension in March. Campbell should be able to command that much — likely more. How much Campbell ultimately receives will depend on his continued development, but given his age, trajectory and contract timeline, he'll likely end up on the higher end of the spectrum. Top-five LB money would put him at $15 million per year, as things stand. If the Lions are looking to save money for Campbell, after already paying Barnes this offseason, you have to wonder what the future holds for Alex Anzalone. He's entering the final year of his contract and has been a captain and core player since he arrived in 2021. Anzalone has earned a pay bump, but so have others on this list.
