Jack Campbell has established himself as a potential long-term starter on the Detroit Lions’ defense after a breakout 2024 campaign, and one NFL analyst believes he is the most underpaid linebacker in football.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay identified the most underpaid player at each position in the NFL, and his pick for linebacker was Campbell, who signed a four-year, $14.7 million rookie contract after being selected with the No.18 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Lions.
“Jack Campbell may have gotten off to a relatively slow start to his NFL career, but the 2023 first-round pick blossomed in Year 2. Just two off-ball linebackers (Roquan Smith and Fred Warner) are making $20 million or more per season, but Campbell is on track to join that exclusive club,” Kay wrote.
Campbell proved to be the perfect enforcer of the Detroit’s defense in 2024, as he tallied 131 tackles with 43 defensive stops and five tackles for loss. The Iowa product is a stout defender who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work and set the tone.
The 24-year-old was also much improved in coverage compared to his rookie season, allowing zero touchdowns in 2024 compared to three in 2023.
With Campbell still on his rookie deal and only making $3.6 million annually, it’s safe to say that he’s underpaid. However, the former Day 1 pick is eligible for a contract extension after the 2025 season, so he shouldn’t be underpaid for much longer.
Campbell, who has yet to miss a game in his NFL career, is entering his third season in the NFL with the Lions in 2025 and will once again play a pivotal role on the defense under first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
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