Interior defensive lineman Calais Campbell might be just the solution the injury-depleted Lions need.
Recent reports suggest that the Miami Dolphins could release the veteran defender before the season concludes if they fall out of playoff contention. If that happens, Campbell, 38, could potentially join a contender like the Lions.
Campbell would provide a reliable replacement for the injured Alim McNeill, who suffered a torn ACL, bolstering Detroit’s defensive line.
The 17-year NFL veteran has played for several teams, including the Cardinals, Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins. His extensive experience would be a major asset to Aaron Glenn’s defense. More importantly for playoff-bound teams like the Lions, Campbell has maintained impressive production levels.
Through 14 games with Miami this season, Campbell has accumulated 43 total tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hits, 4 sacks, 5 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble. He’s also generated 32 total pressures.
For his efforts, Campbell has earned an overall grade of 83.4 from Pro Football Focus, ranking him seventh among 214 qualified defensive tackles. His run-defense grade of 86.6 is the highest among players at his position.
Clearly, Campbell would be a major asset for the Lions. On Thursday’s episode of The Valenti Show with Rico, popular 97.1 The Ticket host Mike Valenti highlighted this potential acquisition.
“Everybody loves Calais Campbell in this league. He is made to be a Lion,” Valenti remarked. “You get Calais Campbell, we may put this thing back on the Super Bowl tracks.”
However, a key challenge is that if Campbell is released, he would first go through waivers, and given Detroit’s 12-2 record, they sit near the bottom of the waiver priority list. This means the odds of the Lions claiming him are slim. Even if Campbell clears waivers and becomes a free agent, the Lions would face significant competition for his services.
In conclusion, it seems unlikely that Campbell will end up in Detroit.
