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Deadspin | Southern California seeks Big Ten momentum against reeling Northwestern

Deadspin | Southern California seeks Big Ten momentum against reeling Northwestern

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Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Chad Baker-Mazara (4) gestures against the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Southern California welcomes Big Ten Conference counterpart Northwestern to Los Angeles on Wednesday as both teams look to get on track in league play.

The Trojans (14-4, 3-4 Big Ten) pushed fourth-ranked Purdue to the limit on Saturday but couldn’t get over the hump, leading to a losing record in the conference. USC had reached .500 after starting 1-3 in the Big Ten with a 70-69 overtime victory at Minnesota on Jan. 9 and an 88-71 blowout of Maryland on Jan. 13.

“The fight, the toughness, the scrappiness,” Trojans coach Eric Musselman said. “It’s there… All we can do is get our guys to play as hard as they possibly can, which I think they did. We have to clean up the small execution stuff.”

USC’s issues included shooting just 5 of 14 free throws on Saturday. Chad Baker-Mazara, the Trojans’ leading scorer at 18.9 points per game, shoots 90.6% at the free-throw line for the season with 5.9 attempts per game. He did not get to the line against Purdue, however, as he came off the bench for a second straight game due to a neck injury.

Baker-Mazara’s potential limitations continue a concerning trend for a USC team dealing with an abundance of injuries this season. Rodney Rice is out for the year with a shoulder injury he sustained over Thanksgiving week, and blue-chip freshman Alijah Arenas has yet to make his debut because of a knee injury he suffered in the summer.

The wounded Trojans aim to capitalize on the woes that have Northwestern entering Wednesday’s game on a five-game losing streak.

The Wildcats (8-10, 0-7) stayed winless in Big Ten play after their tough week ended with a 77-58 loss at home to No. 7 Nebraska. Saturday’s defeat was Northwestern’s second straight game against a team ranked No. 11 or higher in the latest AP Poll, with the Wildcats losing to Illinois on Jan. 14, 79-68.

The two home setbacks against highly ranked competition came after a 77-75 overtime heartbreaker at Rutgers on Jan. 11.

“Nobody’s letting go of the rope,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “It’s been a really difficult week, three games in six days. You come home against two of the best teams in the country, and you battle but come up short. The guys need to clear their heads… before we go to the West Coast and try to figure some things out.”

The Wildcats aim to develop a more consistent offense to support the Big Ten’s top scorer, Nick Martinelli. He averages 23.7 points per game and has scored 20 or more in nine straight contests, but Northwestern’s second-leading scorer, Arrinten Page, has had games of just two, seven, and no points across the last four games.

Page, who played the 2023-24 season at USC, has averaged 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game but didn’t record either in just nine minutes against Nebraska.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Bobby Witt Jr. finding his groove as streaking Royals face A’s Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season. But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif. Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series. He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game. “Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.” Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide. Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more. “He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.” Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid. Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base. “We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.” Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth. “There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.” Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out. Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers. Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles. Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics. Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win. Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign. Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #faceApr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season.

But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif.

Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series.

He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game.

“Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.”

Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide.

Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more.

“He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.”

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid.

Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base.


“We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.”

Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth.

“There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.”

Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out.

Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers.

Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles.

Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics.

Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win.

Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign.

Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #face">Deadspin | Bobby Witt Jr. finding his groove as streaking Royals face A’s Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The power bat of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was missing in action for the first 27 games of the Kansas City Royals’ season. But suddenly, Witt has homered in back-to-back games, and he’ll look to continue the streak Wednesday night when the Royals visit the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif. Witt delivered a tie-breaking, three-run blast in the top of the 10th inning as the Royals beat the A’s 4-1 in Tuesday’s opener of the three-game series. He went the opposite way, and the blast barely cleared the short wall in right center to help Kansas City win its season-best fourth straight game. “Just trying to piece it at-bat by at-bat and day-by-day and just trying to enjoy every moment that we can,” Witt said. “We’re going out there playing the game we love.” Things are certainly more enjoyable now with the Royals having won five of six games following an eight-game slide. Plus, Witt showing signs of putting his power slump behind him is a pleasing element. The 25-year-old hit 105 homers over his first four seasons, twice hitting 30 or more. “He’s going to hit homers. We know that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the two-time All-Star, who has two home runs, 15 RBIs and a .289 batting average this season. “Just putting good swings on the ball more frequently is going to lead to that. He’s got unbelievable ability all around.” Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez also homered for the second time in three games. He nearly had two home runs in the contest, but his other shot was a liner that wasn’t high enough to clear the wall. He was held to a single on that bid. Shea Langeliers had three hits and Jacob Wilson had an RBI single on a frustrating night for the A’s, who left 14 runners on base. “We’re not getting that hit we need to extend leads and have some margin for error,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Tough loss. … We played a really good game except for offense. We just couldn’t get a hit.” Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom injured his right shoulder and was a little woozy after he missed on a diving catch in the fifth. He was replaced prior to the top of the sixth. “There’s not signs of a concussion right now,” Kotsay said, “but obviously that dive, if you watch it, he slammed down pretty hard, fully extended.” Kansas City outfielder Jonathan India (shoulder) underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back tightness) exited in the sixth inning. The latter was hurt while grounding out. Kansas City is scheduled to send Michael Wacha (2-1, 2.51 ERA) to the mound against the Athletics’ Luis Severino (1-2, 5.17) on Wednesday in a battle of right-handers. Wacha lost last Wednesday in his most recent start, when he allowed season worsts of six runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings in an 8-6 defeat to the Baltimore Orioles. Wacha, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics. Severino picked up his first victory of the season on Friday when he limited the Texas Rangers to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-1 win. Severino continues to struggle at Sutter Health Park and is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA in two starts there this season. Overall, he is 2-10 with a 6.15 ERA in 17 starts at the ballpark since joining the A’s prior to the 2025 campaign. Severino, 32, is 5-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bobby #Witt #finding #groove #streaking #Royals #face

Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.

While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.

“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.

Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.

“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”

ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed">F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed  Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.Published on May 01, 2026 #drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed

Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed">F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed 

Formula One’s drivers on Thursday welcomed rules tweaks made on safety grounds, but warned that more was needed to improve the racing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Speaking at an official news conference, most drivers said the changes made to the levels of ‘super-clipping’ and of battery power harvesting would reduce dangers, but have little overall effect on the spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.

While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll lambasted the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and a thousand times less fun than Formula Three, others took a more positive approach.

“The positive thing is that we had some nice meetings with F1 and the FIA and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future even if there is time for that or maybe I’m not here anymore,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled this season.

Verstappen had been a leading critic of this season’s changes, accusing F1 of losing its identity and suggested that he was contemplating his future if the sport did not take action to salvage its heritage as an all-out test of power and speed for drivers and machines.

“I really hope that the drivers give more input to the organisers in general because most drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make F1 a good product, a fun product.”

ALSO READ | Miami GP start time could change due to thunderstorms forecast

“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has tried their best to do something — but, of course, it won’t change the world!”

The conflict has stemmed from this year’s introduction of the 50-50 split between use of battery power and traditional engine power in an attempt to create a greener sport.

Many drivers feel the sport needs more naturally aspirated power from an engine and less from the battery.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and works on track now.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he felt the chief problems could not be fixed without a fundamental overhaul of the hardware of the power units.

He said it was good that the rules had been tweaked to reduce the huge imbalance in performance and speed between cars that are using maximum power and those slowing to harvest and store battery power.

A crash in Japan involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, who escaped serious injury left many drivers worried about similar future accidents.

“After Olly’s crash, something needed to change and it is good that they listened to us,” said Piastri. “The tweaks are good, and sensible and well thought out so it is a positive thing, but let’s wait and see how it pans out from a safety point of view.”

Many drivers and observers had criticised the formula for producing artificial racing controlled by computers and the needs for management of battery power.

Published on May 01, 2026

#drivers #rule #tweaks #change #needed
Deadspin | Report: Lions decline LB Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option Lions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park. The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s. Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN. Gibbs will earn a guaranteed .29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated .925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN. ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately. Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections. Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts). The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #optionLions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park.

The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s.

Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN.

Gibbs will earn a guaranteed $14.29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated $21.925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN.


ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately.

Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.

Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts).

The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #option">Deadspin | Report: Lions decline LB Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option Lions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park. The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s. Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN. Gibbs will earn a guaranteed .29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated .925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN. ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately. Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections. Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts). The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #option

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