The Baltimore Ravens have officially cut ties with 15-year NFL veteran Calais Campbell, and while the long-time defensive star is no longer in his prime, is still likely to garner interest around the league in NFL free agency.
On Monday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens released a statement thanking Campbell for his efforts during his three years with the franchise.
“Calais defines what it is to be a Raven. He personifies professionalism, and his contributions to our organization — both on and off the field — are immense. With his passion, leadership, and toughness, Calais has undoubtedly produced a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career. While this is the worst part of the business, we have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning to our team in the future.”
– Ravens GM Eric DeCosta
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By the start of the 2023 NFL season, Calais Campbell will be 37 and far removed from his prime. Nevertheless, his impeccable record as a locker room leader and reputation as a pass rusher will certainly have some contending teams kicking the tires on bringing him in for a title run.
With that in mind, here are four teams that could pursue Calais Campbell in NFL free agency this month.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a contending team that has a lot of money invested in several key players, and it is why they are likely to lose a pair of top players on defense in free agency this month. They are the type of team that needs to make smaller impact moves that can help them improve their chances of winning a championship in 2023, and Calais Campbell should certainly be an option.
Campbell would bring depth to their defensive line and pass rush while serving as another leader in the locker room to help the likes of Von Miller and Josh Allen carry the leadership load.
Baltimore Ravens
As they mentioned in their statement on his release, the Ravens are very much open to the idea of re-signing Calais Campbell if he is willing to take a paycheck less than the $12.5 million average he made in 2022.
The team clearly has a major affinity for the former Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars star. Having a player of his stature on the roster as they make the transition to a long run with or without Lamar Jackson this season has some notable value.
Cincinnati Bengals
A team that is on the cusp of a Super Bowl and is in need of more character and leaders on defense is the Cincinnati Bengals. After making it to the AFC Championship for two straight seasons and the Super Bowl two years ago, no team is more ready to win now than the Bengals.
For organizations like Cincy, it won’t be about adding big-name stars this offseason. But instead about fixing weaknesses and getting the sort of players that can help take them over that hump. The former Ravens star could certainly do that for the Bengals.
Kansas City Chiefs
Calais Campbell has been in the NFL a very long-time and he has yet to sniff a Super Bowl appearance. There is no better team that could help him finally get to the promised land than the Kansas City Chiefs.
Campbell isn’t an every-down player anymore, but he could be a solid replacement for what the team lost after cutting playoffs pash rushing ace Frank Clark. Plus, with the opportunity to play for an elite franchise and Super Bowl contender, Campbell would likely sign for a discount rate.