Calais Campbell isn't retiring, though he is headed to Florida.
Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler and former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, is signing with the Miami Dolphins to play his 17th season, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.
Having contemplated retirement in seasons past, Campbell is now bound for his fifth NFL franchise as he returns to the Sunshine State, where he had his most successful run with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017-2019, earning Pro Bowl accolades and his only All-Pro honor. Originally selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, the soon-to-be 38-year-old Campbell has also played for the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons last season.
Now, he has a homecoming ahead, as the University of Miami product will look to provide the Dolphins with a boost on a defensive line that has a mix of youth and experience, along with injury concerns.
Both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips suffered season-ending injuries in 2023 and the Dolphins let Christian Wilkins walk in free agency, where he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Campbell, who's always been a positive presence in the locker room, should bring veteran leadership, the versatility to play inside or on the edge and still has some pass-rushing punch left. He'll join a group that includes Zach Sieler, Teair Tart, Da'Shawn Hand, Shaquil Barrett and rookie first-rounder Chop Robinson.
Campbell posted 6.5 sacks last year for the Falcons and had 10 tackles for loss -- each his best numbers since his final year in Jacksonville.
Ranked 50th on Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 free agents list, Campbell is the freshest addition to a made-over Miami defense, that also includes fellow veteran signees Barrett, Jordan Poyer, Jordyn Brooks, Kendall Fuller and others. There's also a new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver, who Campbell spent a pair of seasons with in Baltimore.
Perhaps it will be Campbell's final season, perhaps not. Either way, he's heading back to Miami, looking to add some veteran pass-rushing pop for a Dolphins squad aiming for its third straight playoff berth.
