RAVENS RE-SIGN CALAIS CAMPBELL ON A TWO-YEAR $12.5MILLION DEAL
After weeks of speculation regarding the future of free-agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell, the Baltimore Ravens finally announced on Saturday morning that they had re-signed the six-time Pro Bowler to a two-year contract.
The 35-year-old was contemplating retirement following the 2021 season but is now set to don the purple and black of Baltimore for another two years after agreeing to a $12.5million deal with the AFC North franchise.
Campbell said he was inspired by Super Bowl LVI and made the decision not to retire while watching the game. The 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year was covering the game for UK media outlet, Sky Sports and stated, “I watched this game. The feeling I have right now after seeing them celebrate a Super Bowl championship, I have a desire to go out there and play football and to compete. So, I’m definitely not retiring. I’m coming back.”
The two-year deal is said to be worth $12.5million but could be as much as $16.5million with incentives, with $6million of it guaranteed according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. Other AFC rivals including the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs were reported to have had an interest in the interior D-lineman.
Campbell will be returning to the two-time Super Bowl champions for his 15th season in the NFL and appears set to retire in Baltimore. Speaking to the media after signing the deal, Calais said, “Yes, it was completed yesterday [Friday]. It just felt like the right move. I feel like we started something special and we have unfinished business there.” The 6-foot-8 DL has yet to win a Super Bowl following six trips to the playoffs and will look to try and maximize his chances of getting that ring in the next two years.
Campbell is a dependable pass-rusher although his role with the Ravens has changed slightly as he’s transitioned to run-stopper recently. The former Miami Hurricane has only managed 4.5 sacks with the Ravens and registered just 1.5 last season. He has, however, been derailed by injuries that have hindered his effectiveness on the field. Campbell featured 15 times for the Ravens in 2021, only 12 times in 2020, and has missed six of his last 25 games in Baltimore.
The NFL 2010s All-Decade Team member is one of only four defenders since 2000 to record at least 700 tackles and 85 sacks. His 93.5 career sacks rank 10th among all active players while his 773 tackles rank 12th. He is just 6.5 sacks away from 100 sacks for his career.
Campbell’s teammates were ecstatic about the news of Campbell’s re-signing on Twitter, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, safety Tony Jefferson II, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Campbell began his career in Arizona after being drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Following his time in the desert, he had a three-year spell with the Jacksonville Jaguars beginning in 2017. Campbell signed with the Ravens in 2020 and became the Ravens second signing this week after the team agreed to terms with linebacker Josh Bynes on Friday.
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero