Jul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) talks to defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Even after leaving, the butterfly effect of one of the Miami Dolphins' best 2024 free agent signings may shape Miami’s trenches for years to come

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 1:53 PM ET

One of the Miami Dolphins' biggest 2024 success stories was aging veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Campbell, who has since left Miami to re-sign with the Arizona Cardinals for a reunion with the team that drafted him, posted a dozen tackles for loss last season — the highest he's logged in a single season since 2018 in Jacksonville. Campbell was a valuable addition not just for his execution but also for his presence.

It was all for not for the 2024 Miami Dolphins, sadly. The team stumbled to 8-9 after a 2-6 start and missed the postseason for the first time since 2021. Miami has since turned to a youth movement on the defensive interior while letting Campbell reunite with the Cardinals, the hope being that a new generation can kickstart a new long-term identity in the trenches for the Dolphins.

But even in his departure, Campbell is leaving the Dolphins with a lingering benefit in 2025. It comes in the form of the lasting impact he's left on Miami's cornerstone defensive tackle, Zach Sieler. When asked about his role as a leader for the 2025 team during an in-game interview with CBS Miami on Sunday, Sieler was quick to mention the since-departed Campbell.

Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler praises Calais Campbell's impact on leadership approach

"I’m going to be who I am every day and I was very fortunate to have Calais (Campbell) here last year who I would argue to say is one of the best leaders in all of football. He’s been on countless teams, steps into the locker room and is a presence instantly. His passion for the game, his love for the game, his brain for the game is just incredible. To be able to be with him last year and to be able to spin things off each other was just awesome and I’m trying to emulate that this year.”

- Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler on his leadership role in 2025

Sieler has big shoes to fill as the unquestioned leader of this year's interior line. With a collection of rookies set to make the 53-man roster at defensive tackle alongside him, heavy is the crown that comes with a newly-signed three-year, $67 million contract extension. The fact that Sieler, with that responsibility, is calling on Campbell's impact a year later should highlight just how impactful Calais Campbell still is at, well, the whole "being a professional football player" thing.

It's a total shame that Campbell's season in Miami didn't come with more team success. But through the team's unquestioned leader at defensive tackle in 2025, his impact and what he stands for will continue to live on. And if Sieler is able to pass that on to a younger generation that includes first-round pick Kenneth Grant and fellow rookies Jordan Phillips & Zeke Biggers, the butterfly effect has a chance to be pretty spectacular down the line.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: