Defensive lineman Calais Campbell is one of the most decorated veterans remaining on the free agent market. A six-time Pro Bowler, the 2008 second-round pick is entering his age-38 season but remains a reliable force against both the run and the pass. The veteran spent the 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons, starting in all 17 games while recording 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 17 quarterback hits, and an 80.0 PFF grade, the 23rd-best mark out of 112 eligible players.
While his age is admittedly a concern, the six-time Pro Bowler has yet to show any signs of slowing down. Several teams could use a free agent like Calais Campbell, and a recent article by Bleacher Report linked him to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Calais Campbell would be a logical target as well. He’s a big, strong defensive lineman that fits their culture and would help fortify the interior, which doesn’t have a lot of experience.
Chargers, Calais Campbell, Named Potential Free Agent Match
Jim Harbaugh wants to win with old-school football, and signing Calais Campbell as a free agent would help accomplish that goal. Campbell has the versatility to play edge defender and defensive tackle, but he’d likely spend most of his time inside with the Chargers. Los Angeles has one of the deepest groups of edge rushers in the league, highlighted by the big-name trio of Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and 2023 second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu.
The defensive tackle position, however, could use some work. While the Chargers have some young talents and players who could succeed in situational roles, Los Angeles lacks a true three-down starter. Per Pro Football Focus, every single defensive tackle on the current roster finished the 2023 season with a sub-60 grade. Controlling the line of scrimmage at the point of attack will be a major issue for this team, and Calais Campbell can be a major free agent fix.
Of course, the Chargers won’t be the only team interested in Calais Campbell as a free agent. Nobody will hand out a long-term deal for the aging veteran, but some team could hand out a sizable one-year deal to make him the missing piece on a winning roster.
Other Potential Destinations
Philadelphia Eagles
Just like with the Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles would sign Calais Campbell as a free agent defensive tackle. Philadelphia had arguably the best defensive line in football last year, and it remains a strength heading into 2024. However, with Fletcher Cox retired, somebody must step in alongside the gifted but questionable Jalen Carter. Jordan Davis and Milton Williams are reliable players, but Campbell is a natural fit who can be the cherry on top of an already-talented defensive line.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a high-ceiling, low-floor defensive line. New Orleans should have no problem getting after the quarterback if Bryan Bresee can improve on his rookie year, Chase Young can stay healthy and motivated, and Cameron Jordan can bounce back from his disappointing and injury-riddled 2023. The Saints might need to move some money around to make a Calais Campbell signing work, but the free agent will provide some much-needed stability to one of the most questionable defensive lines in the game.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens retained Justin Madubuike but lost just about every other meaningful free agent over the past few months. With Jadeveon Clowney now in Carolina, Baltimore could use an experienced veteran to get after the quarterback. Perhaps former first-round pick Odafe Oweh is up for the challenge, but the Ravens should invest in a free agent like Calais Campbell in case he’s better off in a depth role. Even if Odafe is ready for full-time starting duties, you can never have too many reliable pass rushers.
Los Angeles Rams
Nobody on Earth is capable of replacing Aaron Donald. The eight-time All-Pro is one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL and arguably the best defensive player of his generation. Calais Campbell can’t replicate his on-field impact, but the free agent can help mitigate his loss. Kobie Turner looks like a star in the making, and pairing the youngster with an experienced veteran like Campbell should give this team one of the best interior pass rushes in the game.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have an all-world defensive tackle in Chris Jones and a reliable edge defender in George Karlaftis. However, an elite contender like Kansas City should invest in a third reliable pass rusher like free agent Calais Campbell. Seeing as Felix Anudike-Uzomah did nothing of note as a rookie, the Chiefs should invest in a Plan B in case the Kansas State product cannot make the Year 2 leap.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
