The Miami Dolphins made a big splash, bringing in a veteran to reinforce their pass-rushing unit. Defensive end Calais Campbell is coming home, as the Miami (FL) product has agreed to a contract with the Dolphins.
The 37-year-old had a bounceback season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, his 16th in the NFL. He played in all 17 games, the first time since 2019 he didn’t miss a game, accomplishing the goal he set out to achieve before the season.
He registered 6.5 sacks, which was also his most since 2019, with 56 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. It was the most productive Campbell has been since the 2019 campaign overall with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Miami Dolphins were a logical landing spot for Campbell because the learning curve won’t be too steep. Their new defensive coordinator, Anthony Edwards, was the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens when he was there in 2021 and 2022.
Pass rush help was a major need for the Miami Dolphins this offseason as that unit was hit hard by injuries in 2023. Jaelan Phillips tore his Achilles in Week 12 before Bradley Chubb tore his ACL in Week 17.
Before the injuries, both players ranked in the top 20 of pass rush win rate. Replacing the production of those two will not be easy, but Campbell will at least help soften the blow until they are ready to return.
Along with Campbell, the Miami Dolphins also signed veteran Shaq Barrett in free agency. First and fifth-round picks were used on Chop Robinson and Mo Kamar in the 2024 NFL Draft as well.
Campbell has had a great career in the NFL, surpassing the 100-sack mark last season. With 105.5 in his career, he is tied for 32nd on the official all-time list. He won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2019 and has made one All-Pro Team and has been named to the Pro Bowl team six times.
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