Calais Campbell remains a rare ageless wonder at defensive end following his 6.5 sacks in 2023, which he produced at the age of 37.
Campbell, even at 16 seasons already in the NFL, still sounds like he’s leaning towards playing in 2024. He’s currently an unsigned free agent and among the few remaining past Pro Bowl talents out there on the market. But what places come off as the best potential landing spots for the six-time Pro Bowler?
Calais Campbell Free Agency Landing Spots
Campbell remains a free agent following his one-year run with the Atlanta Falcons. And if his ’23 production painted anything to future teams, it’s that he can still bring a fast get-off and disruptive side when called upon. Here’s a look at best possible fits, including one team dealing with a sudden retirement.
Los Angeles Rams Have EDGE (and Veteran Leadership) Needs
The Los Angeles Rams just opened up a significant roster spot on the defensive line.
Aaron Donald is off to retirement with his Friday announcement. He leaves LA with one of the most decorated NFL résumés ever for a defensive player. And in the process, Donald’s departure opens up two pivotal needs in LA.
Donald is leaving behind a young defensive line. Furthermore, the Rams have long needed EDGE help post-Von Miller and Leonard Floyd. Campbell comes off as the perfect fit for providing a locker room voice and Wide-9 technique help.
Despite his age, defenses have to love a 6’8″ guy setting the edge. The Rams recently thrived with one towering defender in the 6’5″ Floyd. Plus, if Campbell comes to LA, he’s on a defense with two breakout pass rushers in Kobie Turner and Byron Young — which presents the potential for more solo blocking matchups for Campbell.
Seattle Seahawks Come With Familiarity for Campbell
Say Campbell wants to reunite with a coach he knows well. That’s where Mike Macdonald comes in.
The new Seattle Seahawks head coach Macdonald is installing the same defense that Campbell played in during 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens.
Campbell delivered 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four tackles for a loss with Macdonald as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator.
The only defensive trench signing Seattle made was bringing back Leonard Williams. Macdonald, though, may want someone who knows his defense. And a potential towering duo forming between Campbell and the 6’5″ Williams could also become too good to pass up.
Detroit Lions Puts Campbell on Aspiring Contender
The Detroit Lions have positioned themselves as an early trending NFC contender for 2024. With the heightened expectations comes new additions still needed to make that contender status a reality.
Granted, Marcus Davenport was brought in via free agency. He comes with a past New Orleans Saints connection to both head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. But the Lions could still use a pass-rush rotation to keep the pressure on quarterbacks.
Campbell with his 105.5 career sacks can become a perfect spell to keep Aidan Hutchinson or Davenport fresh. Campbell and Glenn may even love the longtime NFL defender’s long wingspan for the defensive line.
But on Campbell’s end, what’s missing on his lengthy résumé is a Super Bowl ring. Detroit presents the best potential spot for him to pursue a long-awaited title.
Is It Time for Campbell To Return ‘Home?’
We’re not talking about his native city of Denver. We’re pivoting to where it all began for him in the NFL — the Arizona Cardinals.
Campbell made a name for himself here in nine seasons with the franchise. He was there during the Cardinals’ run to the NFC title game of 2015.
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So far, Arizona has not made any true edge rusher signings. Campbell’s position is even considered a draft need come April for Arizona. This time, defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon is the one reinstalling the culture for the Cardinals.
Campbell may take a liking to Gannon’s attack-oriented edge rush approach that made him popular across the league with the Philadelphia Eagles. But Arizona only presents the best opportunity for Campbell if there are no potential suitors remaining.
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