Calais Campbell chooses to continue his historically long NFL career by returning to where it all began
The Arizona Cardinals are bringing back a former fan favorite to their defensive unit for the 2025-2026 NFL season. Calais Campbell returns to Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals are brining back long-time defensive lineman Calais Campbell. He is signing a one-year deal to return to Arizona, according to Adam Schefter. Compensation update: The #Cardinals are bringing […]
The Arizona Cardinals are bringing back a former fan favorite to their defensive unit for the 2025-2026 NFL season.
Calais Campbell returns to Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are brining back long-time defensive lineman Calais Campbell. He is signing a one-year deal to return to Arizona, according to Adam Schefter.
Compensation update: The #Cardinals are bringing back Calais Campbell on a one-year, $5.5 million deal with a max value of $7.5M, per source. Still playing, and making money, at age 38. — Tom Pelissero
Campbell, 38 years old, was the Cardinals' second-round pick in 2008 and played with the Cardinals until 2016.
Campbell has a unique opportunity at NFL history this season. He is one full season played away from entering the top five most played games for a defensive player in league history. His longevity is simply unbelievable.
While the Dolphins underwhelmed on the field for much of the 2024 season, Campbell shined and recorded his highest pass rush win rate since 2019. He finished third on the team with five sacks and second on the team with 12 tackles for a loss. He led all defensive linemen with a 46% run stop win rate. — ESPN
For Arizona, Campbell slides into a potential starting role on their defensive line. At the least, he will have a notable role with plenty of defensive snaps, even as an older veteran option.
Do not be surprised if the Cardinals also draft a defensive lineman or two early in the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Their pass rush could use another piece to the puzzle, but they seem to have their starting nose tackle in Dalvin Tomlinson for next season.
Regardless, Campbell will dawn Cardinal red once again to possibly close his pro career. We will see if he hangs up the cleats after this campaign in Arizona.
