All-Pro Free Agent Could Replace Hall of Famer

Free agent defensive tackle Calais Campbell is proving that age is just a number. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, the former second-round pick is coming yet another strong season with his fourth professional team. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the defensive lineman finished the season with 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 17 quarterback hits, and an 80.0 PFF grade.

Moving all around the defensive front, the former All-Pro proved he can still be a valuable part of a defensive front. However, despite his production, Calais Campbell remains a free agent. Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s entering his age-38 season, but teams seemingly aren’t that interested in signing him.

Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team believes that Calais Campbell will sign as a free agent, and that he could replace one of the greatest players in NFL history. In his recent article, the NFL analyst named the Los Angeles Rams as an ideal destination for the former All-Pro.

Free Agent Calais Campbell Linked to Los Angeles Rams

It should go without saying that Calais Campbell – or any free agent, for that matter – can’t completely replace Aaron Donald. There is a strong case to be made that Donald is the best football player of his generation, and he was still elite last year. Donald is one-of-one, and the Rams defensive line will take a step back in 2024 no matter who is starting at defensive tackle.

With that disclaimer out of the way, Calais Campbell could help mitigate Donald’s absence if signed as a free agent. While he’s officially listed as an edge defender, the defensive lineman routinely moves inside and can handle a full-time job at defensive tackle.

Chances are, Calais Campbell won’t sign as a free agent until after the 2024 NFL Draft. Teams will try and find long-term solutions to their defensive line woes, but there isn’t enough young talent to go around.  Depending on what happens in the draft, these five teams could be interested in the defensive lineman.

Other Possible Fits

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh wants to build a tough, physical team that can run the ball well and stop the run. While the team already has three reliable edge defenders in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu, they could use some help at defensive tackle. Calais Campbell is the perfect free agent fit for a team that will always be competitive as long as Justin Herbert is under center.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have a great defensive tackle in Justin Madubuike, but the rest of the defensive line could use some help. The team lost Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers, and somebody will have to replace those 9.5 sacks. Thanks to his age, Calais Campbell should be cheaper than Jadeveon Clowney, so the free agent could be a logical cost-effective free agent signing.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Chase Young as a high-risk, high-reward pass rusher, but they could use some more stability at both the edge defender and defensive tackle positions. Bryan Breese showed plenty of promise as a rookie, and pairing him with free agent Calais Campbell could help form a ferocious pass rushing duo.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are going all-in on C.J. Stroud’s rookie window. After signing multiple starting-caliber free agents and trading for Stefon Diggs, this team is ready to win it all. You can never have too many pass rushers, and Houston should have the cap space to add Campbell to the mix.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins face the unenviable task of trying to replace a phenomenal interior defender in Christian Wilkins. With cap space at a premium, this team might have no choice but to sign a cost-effective free agent like Calais Campbell. The AFC East is wide open following the Diggs trade, so the time is now for the Dolphins to host their first playoff game since 2008.