The Miami Dolphins have holes to fill on their roster. Could they fill a massive one by bringing back Calais Campbell?
The start of the NFL free agency period is nine days away, beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern on March 12. Between now and then, the Miami Dolphins and every other NFL team has to decide if they will re-sign, franchise tag, or allow someone to leave in free agency for each of the players they have with expiring contracts. For the Dolphins, they have that decision to make about 32 players who are scheduled to hit the free agency market.
We continue to take a look at players on that list, providing you a chance to weigh in on what moves the team should make. As we take a closer look at each play, were ask if you you want them to re-sign, tag, or let walk each of the soon-to-be free agents? You can vote in the poll at the bottom of the article and then head to the comments to discuss.
Today’s player coming into the spotlight is defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
Last five free agent reviews:
Biography
Calais Campbell
Position: Defensive tackle
Age (when season begins): 39
Draft: 2008 second-round (50th overall) pick by Arizona Cardinals
Experience: 17 years
Previous Teams:
- Arizona Cardinals (2008-2016)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019)
- Baltimore Ravens (2020-2022)
- Atlanta Falcons (2023)
- Miami Dolphins (2024)
Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Awards: 2014, 2015, 207, 2018, 2019, 2020 Pro Bowls; 2017 First-Team All-Pro; 2014 and 2016 Second-Team All-Pro; 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year; 2010s NFL All-Decade Team
Expiring Contract
1 year, $2 million ($3.1 million with bonuses)
2024 Review
17 games started
52 tackles
5.0 sacks
5 passes defensed
1 forced fumble
Campbell continues to defy Father Time and play at a ridiculously high level despite playing through his 17th season. He was exactly what the Dolphins needed in the middle of the defensive line, and he always seemed to make a big play when the team needed it. There is a reason he is a special player, and he showed it during his time with the Dolphins. There was discussion near the end of the season of Miami releasing him to allow him to catch on with a playoff contender, however, the Dolphins remained in contention for the postseason into Week 18, preventing that move from happening.
2025 Outlook
Campbell has to decide if he wants to play in 2025. That is really the only thing that could stop him from continuing to be a force in someone’s defensive line. He did not show any signs of slowing down in 2024, so a season with similar stats in 2025 seems achievable.
Walk, Tag, Re-Sign?
Projected tag value (Special teams): $25.2 million (franchise); $20.9 million (transition) (via OvertheCap.com)
Re-sign. Run to re-sign Campbell. If he wants to play, get him back on the roster. He is a leader, he is a great person, and he is an incredible player. The Dolphins roster needs him. He is going to be ring chasing, so Miami needs to have a plan to show him they are going to improve on last year’s disappointing season, but if they have any chance of bringing back Campbell, they need to do it.