Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is making a return to the Arizona Cardinals, the team that selected him in the 2008 draft. He has signed a one-year contract to play his 18th season in the NFL.. The contract is worth $5.5 million, with the possibility of increasing to $7.5 million with incentives.
Campbell, 38, was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2008 and went on to spend nine seasons with the team. During his first stint with the Cardinals, he became a dominant defensive force, making huge contributions to the defense.
Following his exit from Arizona in 2016, Campbell had stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. For the 2024 season with Miami, he started all 17 games and had 52 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and five sacks.
During his playing career, Campbell has accumulated impressive numbers, including 917 tackles, 266 quarterback hits, 110.5 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, and three interceptions in 261 games. His 187 tackles for loss are the highest among current players.
Campbell’s return to Arizona is likely to add depth to a defensive line that has changed a great deal this offseason with the additions of tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and edge rusher Josh Sweat. Though he will not start, Campbell is projected to have an important role in certain defensive packages and bring veteran leadership to the locker room.
Speaking of his excitement to return to the Cardinals, Campbell posted on social media, “What a story it would be! Began my career with a bang. Now it’s time to end it with a bang back home where it all started!
Campbell has received several accolades, including being selected for the Pro Bowl six times and winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2019, which recognizes his outstanding performance on the field and his philanthropic efforts in the community.
As Campbell enters his 18th NFL season, his return to the Cardinals not only brings him back to the organization where he began but also a veteran and influential voice to Arizona’s changing defense.
