The Miami Dolphins have had a quiet offseason thus far, focusing their efforts on re-signing some depth players and adding some competition to positions of need.
General manager Chris Grier entered the offseason with some salary-cap limitations and the expectation that they wouldn’t be one of the most active teams in free agency. That’s partly why one key member of the defense, Calais Campbell, remains available on the market.
Even entering his age-39 season, Campbell proved during his one-year stint in South Beach that he could still provide a major impact from the interior defensive line. If he wants to keep playing, he should have plenty of suitors.
If Campbell cuts ties with Miami ahead of the 2025 season, he could find a new home with the Cincinnati Bengals, per Nick Shook of NFL.com.
The Bengals missed the playoffs last year largely because their defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed in the first half of the season. During this frustrating period, many Cincinnati fans lamented the loss of D.J. Reader to free agency, blaming it for their struggles on that side of the ball. Campbell completed his Miami homecoming in 2024 but hasn’t retired and is still one heck of a player, even with his 39th birthday coming in September. Sure, it gets cold in Cincinnati in the winter, but it’ll feel a lot warmer if the Bengals’ late-season games are meaningful. And after spending lavishly to keep Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins , it’s high time to turn to the defense. Adding Campbell makes sense even if the team gives Trey Hendrickson a new deal, especially with a playoff return atop their list of expectations for 2025.
The Bengals defense could use more depth on the defensive line next to star Trey Hendrickson, assuming he’s returning to Cincinnati amid a contract dispute and trade request. Even at his advanced age in 2024, Campbell still posted 5.0 sacks and 37 quarterback pressures on 378 pass-rush snaps, per Next Gen Stats.
Spotrac currently projects Campbell to land a one-year deal worth $7 million in free agency so there’s still a possibility he remains in South Beach.
The Dolphins added Benito Jones back to the roster earlier this week, but more depth is still needed along the defensive line. Campbell is still capable of making an impact so it will be interesting to see where he lands.
MORE NFL NEWS:
Read the full article here