Calais Campbell is not retiring, although he is going to Florida.
Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler and former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, is signing a contract with the Miami Dolphins to play his 17th season. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.
Having contemplated retirement in past seasons, Campbell is now bound for his fifth NFL franchise as he goes to the Sunshine State. This is where he had his most successful run with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017-2019, securing Pro Bowl accolades and his only All-Pro honour.
Calais was originally selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, he also played for the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons last season.
Now, he has a homecoming to look forward to, as the University of Miami product will provide the Dolphins with a boost on a defensive line that has a touch of youth and experience, alongside injury concerns.
Both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips suffered season-ending injuries in 2023 and Miami allowed Christian Wilkins walk in free agency, where he joined the Las Vegas Raiders. Campbell, who has always brought a positive energy to the locker room, should bring veteran leadership, the versatility to play inside or on the edge and still has some pass-rushing punch left. He’ll join a group that includes Zach Sieler, Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Shaquil Barrett and rookie first-rounder Chop Robinson.
Campbell secured 6.5 sacks last year for the Falcons and had 10 tackles for loss, each his best numbers since his final year in Jacksonville.
Calais is the ranked 50th on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 free agents list, and his the newest addition to a made-over Miami defence, that includes veterans Barrett, Jordan Poyer, Jorydn Brooks, Kendall Fuller and others. There is also Anthony Weaver the new defensive coordinator, who Campbell spent some seasons with in Baltimore.
It might be Campbell’s last season or not. Either way, he is returning to Miami, hoping to bring some of that veteran experience to a Dolphins squad for their third straight playoff spot.
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