Calais Campbell Still Feeling "Dominant" At Age 38
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell told reporters last week that despite entering his 18th season in the league, he still feels dominant and can "change ball games." "I'm one of those guys that love this game so much...But I feel like I'm still good at it, still dominant, and I feel I could really help this team." The journeyman hasn't hit a double-digit sack total since 2018, but he's still been a disruptive player, logging 11.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the prior two seasons with 29 quarterback hits. His age hasn't affected his game, but the 38-year-old did note that shouldering a full snap load would degrade his play. The Cardinals understand this and project to use him as a rotational role player in 2025. Even in that regard, Campbell still has the propensity to be a fine asset for Arizona. Their defensive front is much improved from a season ago.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Arizona Cardinals are signing veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. The 38-year-old returns to the team that selected him in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Campbell bounced around the league after departing from the Cardinals following the 2016 season, including stints in Jacksonville, Baltimore, Atlanta, and finally Miami in 2024. Even at 38, the Denver native played nearly 58% of the team's defensive snaps, collecting 52 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble in 17 appearances. Arizona has beefed up its defensive line in free agency, with Campbell joining Josh Sweat as pass-rushing reinforcement.
Six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell signed an undisclosed deal with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, according to sources. Campbell will turn 38 years old in September but he's still playing at a high level as he enters his 17th season in the NFL. The 37-year-old is looking to finish out his career in Miami after playing his college ball with the Hurricanes. The veteran pass-rusher doesn't play as many snaps as he did earlier in his career, which puts him off the fantasy radar in most IDP leagues, but he could still be productive when he's on the field for an already strong Dolphins defense. In 17 starts for the Atlanta Falcons last year, Campbell had 56 tackles (32 solo), 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits. Campbell hasn't had double-digit sacks in a season since 2018 and hasn't made a Pro Bowl since 2020.
Free-agent defensive end Calais Campbell remains unsigned. Although the 2008 No. 50 overall pick hasn't said if he'd return for another season, it appears the Falcons are interested in bringing him back. He played in Atlanta during the 2023-24 campaign, and despite his advanced age, he appeared in all 17 games. Campbell totaled 56 tackles and 6.5 sacks, his most since his final season in Jacksonville in 2019. With that in mind, it's logical to assume serious talks between both sides may not happen until after the NFL Draft. But if the 37-year-old doesn't return to Atlanta, there should be at least a handful of teams interested in acquiring his services, especially if it's at a discounted price.
Atlanta Falcons veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell (undisclosed) passed a physical on Monday and was removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list at training camp. Campbell was eventually expected to be fine after dealing with an undisclosed injury early in camp. The 36-year-old six-time Pro Bowler should be a starter on Atlanta's defensive line to begin the 2023 season as long as he's healthy, but he's no longer in his prime as a pass-rusher. In the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, he mustered just 11 sacks with recording 65 solo tackles in 41 games (40 starts). Don't expect Campbell to be an every-week option at defensive line in IDP fantasy leagues with his new team this year.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said to "give it at least 10 days" before the team has an update on defensive lineman Calais Campbell (undisclosed), who is the only player on the team on the Non-Football Injury list at training camp. The Falcons aren't concerned that Campbell's injury is a long-term one, so the 36-year-old veteran pass-rusher should return to practice sooner than later. At this point in his career, Campbell probably doesn't need many repetitions in training camp or the preseason anyway. The Falcons could really use Campbell's leadership and on-field abilities to improve their pass rush, but he's unlikely to play an every-down role and is no longer on the IDP radar at his advanced age. The six-time Pro Bowler had a combined seven sacks in the last two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Calais Campbell To Sign One-Year Deal With Falcons
Former Baltimore Ravens star pass-rusher Calais Campbell intends to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, according to sources. The Pro Bowler and former Walter Payton Man of the Year will bring leadership to a young team. The Falcons have made several key additions to their defense through free agency this offseason, with Campbell joining Jesse Bates, David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss. The 36-year-old isn't in his prime anymore, but he showed last year with Baltimore that he can still make an impact. In 14 regular season starts, he had 36 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and two forced fumbles. Campbell could be in more of a rotational role in 2023 with his new team, making him hard to rely on in IDP leagues.
Free-agent defensive end Calais Campbell is scheduled to visit with the Detroit Lions on Thursday. The 36-year-old continues to meet with teams before he decides where he wants to play next season. The expectation is that Campbell wants to join a contender in what could be his last season in the NFL. He finished with 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two fumbles forced in 14 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season. The six-time Pro Bowl pass rusher would certainly be an upgrade to this Lions defense.
Free-agent defensive end Calais Campbell has upcoming visits with the Bills and Jets. The veteran, who was released by the Ravens this offseason in a cost-cutting move, has already made stops in Atlanta and Jacksonville as he looks to continue his career in the National Football League. He finished last season with 36 total tackles and a respectable 5.5 sacks in 14 appearances. However, he's battled injuries over the years and seen a decline in production. While Campbell's best days are likely behind him, he may have a few more potent performances left in the tank and should provide value to any defensive squad during the 2023-24 campaign.
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to host veteran free-agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell on a free-agent visit this week, according to sources. Campbell was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens, who have kept the door open for a potential return. The 15-year veteran had 65 solo tackles, 11 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 36 QB hits, nine passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 41 games (40 starts) in the last three seasons for the Ravens. The 36-year-old six-time Pro Bowler is no longer in the prime of his career and will probably only play one more season in the NFL, but he'll bring valuable experience to the defensive line with whichever organization he joins in 2023.
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