Ravens DE Calais Campbell plans to explore his options in free agency
By Kristen Wong
Defensive end Calais Campbell will play for an NFL team in the 2022 season, but he’s not sure if that team will be the Baltimore Ravens.
As free agency news breaks left and right, Campbell issued a brief statement about his plans for the upcoming season. Campbell played out his contract with the Ravens last year and while he expressed his love for the team, he also mentioned testing the open waters to see what other teams may offer him.
A month ago, Campbell announced he has no plans to retire, and he will likely want to sign with a Super Bowl contender in what could potentially be his last season in 2022.
As much as the Ravens want him back, Campbell wants to explore his options, as is his right.
Just spoke to Calais Campbell on the phone about his football future: “I love the Ravens. I feel very comfortable there. At the same time I’m going to explore what’s out there. We are going through the normal free agency process..”
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/_tonyjefferson/status/1503429793974415363
At least one Ravens player would be bummed to see Campbell sign with another team.
Calais Campbell isn’t sold on the Ravens, will test free agent market in 2022
This offseason, Campbell had met with general manager Eric DeCosta to talk about his future, and both the Ravens and Campbell publicly show mutual respect for one another.
That being said, Campbell has played his way to becoming one of the most underrated free agents in 2022 and could find a suitor willing to pay him more than the Ravens can afford.
In 2021, Campbell earned an 80.4 PFF grade that ranked eighth among all qualified interior defensive linemen in the league, and even at 35-years-old, he stayed productive as an effective run defender and pass rusher in the trenches.
The six-time Pro Bowler served as a pillar of consistency in his last two years in Baltimore, posting 77 combined tackles, 22 quarterback hits, and 5.5 sacks.
His age will be seen as a detriment for interested teams, but his numbers are there. If Campbell does end up leaving Baltimore, the Ravens may lean on Justin Madubuike for the 2022 season but should add extra depth (preferably younger players) to the defensive line.
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Campbell’s future, like that of so many free agents, precariously hangs in the balance. The Ravens just have to prepare for the worst.