The Miami Dolphins could release veteran icon Calais Campbell after the 2024 season if they fall out of postseason contention. The team sits at 6-8 in a competitive AFC Wild Card so the chances of them heading to the playoffs are low. According to The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, there is still an opportunity for the Dolphins to release Campbell to have him join a contender and win a ring. Originally selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the defensive tackle became one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league for more than a decade.
Since leaving the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 after becoming a free agent, Campbell found himself being a journeyman for the majority of his NFL career. Despite that, he was still a capable defender to get after the quarterback regardless of the circumstances before later joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. Campbell has six Pro Bowl nods, numerous awards like the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year from 2019 but there is only thing he’s looking for which is a ring on his resume.
Throughout 16 seasons, Campbell notched 908 total tackles, 109 sacks, 63 pass deflections and 13 fumble recoveries. He may not be the same player at age 38 but he doesn’t need to be a full-time starter so he will likely retire after he wins a Super Bowl.
Miami Dolphins Could Release Calais Campbell after the 2024 season – Ravens, Chiefs, Chargers Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
A reunion in Baltimore is a possibility, especially considering the Ravens have one of the worst defenses in the league this season. The team always finds a way to win matchups with a fiery offense led by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and ferocious runner, Derrick Henry. Baltimore is hungry for a ring after not winning one in the last 14 years, so the defense must find the missing ingredient before they bolt for the postseason. The team signing Campbell could provide much-needed further security to the pass-rushing game.
Since losing several free agents like Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone, the team didn’t make many moves to find replacements. They brought in Yannick Ngakoue but later waived him after a couple of games. What this team needs is balance to help Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Nnamdi Madubuike increase the pressure in the trenches. Campbell might not be anything special but it could be a possible momentum shifter if the Ravens can sign him before the playoffs begin.
Kansas City Chiefs
Everyone in the AFC who’s a contender should anticipate competition getting after Calais Campbell once he becomes available. The Chiefs have been active since this past offseason getting players to improve both their offense and defense. However, the offense has been struggling with an injured Patrick Mahomes so they might be reliant on the mindset of winning football games with a strong pass rush. While they have Chris Jones who is one of the best in the game today, they could never go wrong by acquiring Campbell to enhance the pressure against the quarterback and make a few crucial plays to turn the ball over.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody in this league has the same philosophy as Jim Harbaugh when it comes to winning ballgames in the trenches. He’s your traditional old-school style coach who may bring out the nostalgia of Campbell. The veteran has the versatility and size to give stars Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa who are playing on the corners an opportunity to make life easier to get after the signal-caller. With one of the deepest groups in their pass-rushing unit, they could use more stability and experience with Campbell succeeding in a situational role.
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