Report: Veteran NFL defensive lineman Calais Campbell makes decision on future
Calais Campbell has made his presence known wherever he played. First, it was at the college level, where he wrecked offense while representing the University of Miami. Then, he led the Arizona Cardinals defense for almost a decade, then taking his talents to Jacksonville, playing for the Jaguars for three seasons.
Since 2020, Campbell has found a home in Baltimore with the Ravens. Evidently, he wants to finish his career there, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced on Saturday that Campbell was returning to the Ravens on a deal where he’ll finish his career in Baltimore.
“Free-agent DE Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro-Bowl selection, is returning to Baltimore on a two-year deal, per source,” revealed Schefter. “The 35-year-old Campbell has spent the past two seasons in Baltimore and now is expected to finish his NFL career there.”
Additionally, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed the figures of Campbell’s new contract.
“The #Ravens are signing back DE Calais Campbell on a 2-year deal for $12.5M that can get to $16.5M,” tweeted Rapoport.
While Campbell has accumulated fantastic success throughout his career, a Super Bowl victory has eluded him. After last season’s iteration of the game, Campbell knew the fire wasn’t out yet.
“Oh yeah, I’m not retiring,” Campbell told Sky Sports, via the Ravens’ team web site, after the Los Angeles Rams’ 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this year. “I watched this game. The feeling I have right now after seeing them celebrate a Super Bowl championship, I have a desire to go out there and play football and to compete. So I’m definitely not retiring; I’m coming back.”
Evidently, Calais Campbell believes he can win a Super Bowl playing with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The veteran will be looking for a ring in Baltimore before he calls it a career.
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Furthermore, Calais Campbell has had a happy marriage with the Ravens since being brought over from Jacksonville. Campbell made 49 tackles with 1.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits last year while starting 14 games. The 14-year veteran who doubles as a six-time Pro Bowler, and is considered a foundation in regard to locker-room presence.
Additionally, Campbell is 6.5 sacks away from the 100th of his career. If he were to surpass that accolade, he would be the 40th NFL player in history to clear that benchmark. While the goal is certainly within reach, Campbell himself brought up the fact that 2021 might be his last NFL season when he touched on the retirement topic last summer.
“That’s something I’m still figuring out, I guess,” Campbell said in June. “I kind of take it one year at a time. I know that I’ve got this year in me for sure. I’m going to give what I have this year, and then we’ll reevaluate once the season ends.”
Now, Calais Campbell has a chance to continue his NFL career as a leader on one of the top teams in the league. It’s easy to see why the former Miami defensive lineman is returning to the playing field.