At 38, Calais Campbell is at a turning point. Or rather, he’ll be in September. That’s when he’ll be 39. Campbell, ranked 84th on PFT’s top-100 list of free agents, has his pick of options. Or not. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the veteran edge rusher has offers from both the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens. Retirement, though, is a very real possibility as he weighs his next move.
That’s anything but an ordinary situation. Campbell has played 17 seasons in the NFL. Last year-with the Dolphins-he was at the top of his game. Now he’s got to decide whether to keep going or step away from a game he’s dominated for nearly two decades.
Campbell’s Unique Decision: Play On or Retire?
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Campbell is “assessing his options.” There’s a lot riding on that decision. When you play at Campbell’s level, you want to keep going. You’re excited to play another year.
McDaniel made it clear just how important Campbell is to the team. “He was a very important player last year,” the coach said. “I see him being a very important player this year too.” That says a lot about Campbell’s value to the Dolphins-and about what he might be thinking as he considers his future.
Why Campbell Remains a Hot Commodity?
Campbell showed last season he still has a lot to give. He started all 17 games for the Dolphins and put up 52 tackles, five sacks and 12 quarterback hits– numbers that bring his career sack total to an impressive 110.5. What sets Campbell apart is his ability to disrupt opposing offenses-and provide that veteran leadership that every team needs.
That leadership and his physicality-would be huge assets for any team looking to strengthen its defensive line. For the Dolphins, keeping Campbell would mean locking in a key piece of their defense. The Ravens, on the other hand, could use his experience and depth to take their physical brand of football to the next level.
The Retirement Factor
The Dolphins and Ravens want Campbell, but it’s up to the player himself. After 17 years in the NFL, retirement is a real thing.
“He’s considering those options,” McDaniel said, acknowledging the weight of the decision.
If he comes back, it won’t be about stats or awards—it will be about making plays and mentoring younger guys. But if he retires, he’ll be one of the most consistent and respected defensive linemen to ever play.
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