Free agent defensive end Calais Campbell was thought to be headed to Jacksonville to play for the Jaguars as of Wednesday heading into the start of free agency. By Thursday morning, another team was reported as being very much in the mix, and one that could potentially lure him away for less money.
Calais Campbell could take less money ($13 million per year) to go "home" to Denver; Jaguars offering more than $14m. Interesting decision.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2017
Given the kind of money Campbell is set to earn, it’s no wonder the Arizona Cardinals expected to lose him in free agency.
Campbell grew up in Denver, playing his high school ball at South High School.
He then went to South Florida to play for the University of Miami in college before being drafted by the Cardinals in the second round back in 2008. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler who is among the best at his position in the NFL and is coming off a tremendous 2016 campaign in which he racked up 72 total tackles and eight sacks.
Though Jacksonville is reportedly offering a bit more on the financial side of things, there is no doubt the Broncos would be an enticing team for a veteran to play for. Especially for a guy like Campbell, who’d have a chance to make what is already a championship-caliber defense all the more dominant.
It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens next.