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Getty Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell accepts the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in February 2020.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been very active in free agency after accepting the blockbuster trade that sent Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.
Although that deal may have ended an era, it also ushered in many new beginnings within the organization. Now, general manager Brett Veach can reshuffle his budget accordingly, and based on a recent report, it appears the Chiefs may be in the market for another veteran on the defensive line.
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The bosses were in Campbell
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Kansas City “had an interest” in former All-Pro defensive end Calais Campbell.
A source also tells me that Calais Campbell had interest from other teams: the #Colts, the #Browns and the #Chiefs. However, the #Ravens were the most aggressive to do it now and bring Campbell home. @AdamSchefter was the first to report on the deal.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 9, 2022
She tweeted: “A source also tells me that Calais Campbell had interest from other teams: the #Colts, the #Browns and the #Chiefs. However, the #Ravens were the most aggressive to do it now and bring Campbell home.”
As Anderson mentioned, the Baltimore Ravens ended up re-signing the NFL stalwart to a new two-year deal, worth $12.5 million according to fellow NFL player Adam Schefter. Campbell can earn up to $16.5 million in total, according to Schefter.
Compensation update: The Ravens are giving Calais Campbell a $12.5 million, 2-year deal that can go as high as $16.5 million, according to the source. https://t.co/rAQ5Bvy8HD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2022
The former Cardinal and Jaguar has played with Baltimore the past two seasons and turns 36 in September. He’s been a consistent force as a pass-rusher throughout his illustrious career (93.5 sacks), but he’s also a terrific team leader who won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
At the same time, with just 1.5 sacks in 2021, you have to wonder how much Campbell has left in the tank.
It’s unclear if the Chiefs missed out on or passed Campbell, but heading into an AFC foe like the Ravens, you never know if his presence will be a factor in KC’s 2022 campaign. The Chiefs do not play Baltimore during this year’s regular season.
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Is this Signal Veach’s next move?
Campbell may not play at Arrowhead Stadium in 2022, but it could signal the next addition of Veach.
Here’s a list of players the #Chiefs were tied to this offseason that they didn’t end up getting
Calais CampbellStephon GilmoreJames BradberryDK MetcalfArden KeyLaviska ShenaultDamien WilsonJulio JonesJarvis LandryAllen RobinsonZa’Darius SmithMike Williams
— Chiefs Core (@ChiefsCore) April 10, 2022
Everyone knows the Chiefs are looking for pass rush help, but a versatile veteran like Campbell could have played defensive end or D-tackle, similar to Chris Jones. Is it possible that Veach is in the market for a flexible backrest that can kill two birds with one stone?
Kansas City also signed defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth on April 5, so Veach may have already pivoted and filled this need. Anderson never said at what point the Chiefs were “in” Campbell, and that interest could have come and gone before the Stallworth pick-up.
The front office is more likely to turn to the NFL draft at this point, targeting a pass-rusher with one of its premium picks. Meanwhile, Stallworth’s move should provide some additional coverage, while Veach looks to add some serious talent at EDGE.
The Chiefs should sleep well knowing they missed this one.
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Chiefs ‘had interest’ in recent $12.5 million signing: report – Home