The Lions have built a contender the right way — young, explosive and hungry. Now comes the hard part. With Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell nearing payday decisions, Detroit must choose who gets secured first — and who waits.
The Detroit Lions have built one of the NFL’s youngest and most dynamic cores. With that success comes a new challenge: deciding who gets paid next.
Several cornerstone players are either entering the final year of their rookie deals or approaching the window for early extensions. Among them are Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Each presents a different timeline and level of urgency.
Brian Branch
Branch is entering the final year of his rookie contract after emerging as one of the defense’s most versatile playmakers. Before suffering an Achilles injury, Branch had established himself as a tone-setter in the secondary — capable of playing nickel, safety and even dropping into the box as a hybrid defender.
The injury complicates negotiations. Achilles recoveries can vary, and the Lions may want to see a full return to form before committing long term. However, if Detroit believes Branch is fully healthy and still ascending, an extension would lock in a foundational defensive piece.
If negotiations stall, the franchise tag remains a viable option. Tagging Branch would buy the Lions time while preventing him from reaching the open market. Given his versatility and impact, letting him walk would be a significant risk.
Sam LaPorta
LaPorta finds himself in a similar contractual position — entering the final year of his rookie deal. Since arriving in Detroit, he has been a central figure in the passing game, providing quarterback Jared Goff with a reliable target over the middle and in the red zone.
Tight ends who can block and produce at a high level are increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. LaPorta’s ability to stay on the field in any personnel grouping gives the offense flexibility and unpredictability.
Like Branch, if an extension cannot be reached before the season, the franchise tag would likely come into play. The Lions have shown a willingness to secure core players early, and LaPorta fits that profile.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs presents a different scenario. He still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, but his production has been elite. The dynamic running back is coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 1,800 yards from scrimmage and has scored at least 10 touchdowns in every year of his NFL career.
Those numbers place him firmly among the league’s premier backs. Running back contracts have long been a complicated subject across the league, but Gibbs’ dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver separates him from most of his peers.
When his extension window opens, he will likely seek compensation comparable to — or even exceeding — what top backs such as Saquon Barkley have earned. Given his age and production, Gibbs could reset the running back market if Detroit moves aggressively.
Jack Campbell
Campbell may offer the most intriguing case. The linebacker is coming off a first-team All-Pro season and looks like a budding superstar in the middle of Detroit’s defense. He still has two years left on his rookie deal, giving the Lions flexibility.
However, waiting carries risk. If Campbell follows up his All-Pro campaign with another dominant season, his price tag will only climb. Extending him early could provide cost certainty and secure a foundational defensive leader before the market shifts.
The Verdict
While Branch and LaPorta face more immediate contractual timelines, Gibbs appears the most likely to land the next major extension. His production, positional value within Detroit’s scheme and market-shifting potential make him the priority.
After Gibbs, LaPorta could follow, with Campbell next in line depending on performance. Branch, coming off an Achilles injury, may require more patience before a long-term commitment is finalized.
For a franchise with championship aspirations, managing these extensions correctly could define the next era of Lions football.