Calais Campbell quickly became one of the most important players on Anthony Weaver’s defense in his first season with the Miami Dolphins.
The 38-year-old defensive lineman recorded 52 tackles, five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and finished with an 82.3 grade from PFF, the highest on the Dolphins defense.. He started in all 17 games, making it the ninth time in his career he’s started in every regular season contest for his team.
Campbell’s play showed that he’s still a very high-quality defensive lineman, who can probably still play a couple more seasons if he wants. However, the status of his career is again in question with retirement looming and free agency on the way. Last year, Campbell didn’t decide to sign with the Dolphins until August.
While he hasn’t yet ruled out playing in 2025, Campbell acknowledged ahead of the regular season finale that his career could be over.
“I know that it’s not 100 percent or I’m definitely going to be done, but I have to treat this like it could be my last game,” Campbell said.
A Super Bowl ring is the accolade still eluding Campbell. He hasn’t made an appearance in the big game since his rookie season in 2008 with the Arizona Cardinals, who lost Super Bowl XLIII to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Will Campbell hang up the cleats after 17 seasons? And if not, will the Dolphins pursue re-signing Campbell?
Case for re-signing Campbell:
Campbell signed with the Dolphins hoping to help them take the next step toward a championship. While Miami took a step backwards and finished 8-9, there weren’t any meaningless games. If it weren’t for a couple key injuries, particularly to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins probably would have reached the playoffs.
The veteran defensive lineman was an extremely important piece on the defense in 2024. He effectively filled the void left by Christian Wilkins who left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Campbell was not only crucial on the field, but he was a leading voice in the locker room. “If there’s any example to the younger players of what it takes to be a consummate pro and have a long-lasting career in this league just look at Calais and do that,” said Anthony Weaver, who has coached Campbell with both the Dolphins and Ravens.
If Campbell isn’t brought back, it will create another void in the lineup for Chris Grier to address. If the Dolphins want a chance at returning to the playoffs in 2025, Campbell is a player they must bring back to the roster.
Case for letting Campbell walk
The Dolphins have to worry about conserving cap space to fill their roster, and Campbell only made sense in 2024 because he came at a significant bargain. If he isn’t willing to give the same discount, Miami probably can’t make it work.
Campbell might also take a few more months after free agency begins to decide if he wants to continue his career. It probably isn’t in the Dolphins’ best interest to hold a spot for Campbell and leave the defensive line with a massive hole while they wait to hear his decision. They should prioritize filling out their roster with the best players possible at a favorable cost.
Prediction
The Dolphins will almost certainly want Campbell back on the team if he decides to suit up for an 18th season in the NFL. Miami’s defensive front has some elite talent including Zach Sieler, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson, who would all benefit from Campbell’s presence on the field.
Campbell is worth re-signing at any point in the offseason and has an established role on the field and in the locker room. Bringing Campbell back would help ensure the Dolphins will still be a playoff caliber team with championship aspirations if they can stay healthy.
Prediction: Dolphins re-sign Campbell to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million