Coming into the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys knew they’d work to do to fill some holes earlier than the NFL draft, and the line of defense was one of many key areas. They’ve made a number of strikes in regard to the unit, with bringing again edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. being probably the most noteworthy. When looking on the free agent market, there’s one other title the Cowboys ought to contemplate, and it is veteran defensive deal with Calais Campbell.
In fact, on the planet of the NFL, any participant north of 30 is taken into account previous. Campbell is trying father time straight within the face and holding up very properly. In 2024, his seventeenth within the league, Campbell completed with 52 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and likewise recorded 5 batted passes on the line of scrimmage for the Miami Dolphins. Campbell recorded a protection grade of 82.3 per Professional Soccer Focus, which was seventh amongst all defensive lineman. Additionally, his 85.9 run-defense grade was ranked first for all defensive lineman. With Campbell’s assist, the Dolphins have been ninth in opposition to the run final season and have been fourth in complete protection.
That alone ought to make Campbell interesting to the Cowboys. They have been horrible in opposition to the run final season and have not been the very best going again to the Dan Quinn period. Campbell might come proper in and assist a man like Osa Odighizuwa and likewise work with Mazi Smith to anchor the inside of the line of defense and assist in turning that side round. With Campbell nonetheless having the ability to get to the quarterback, he can help in transferring the pocket as nicely and arrange guys like All-Professional Micah Parsons and the aforementioned Fowler to make performs off the sting.
Campbell performed on a one-year deal price $2 million with a $1.2 million based mostly wage final season. Dallas presently has the ninth-most cap area at $38.5 million per Over The Cap. So, from a value standpoint, getting Campbell is greater than doable for the Cowboys.
