On Friday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced the signing of Calais Campbell, a defensive line standout.
Dianna Russini of ESPN initially claimed that the relocation would take place on Wednesday.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, Campbell’s contract is for an average of $14 million each year. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that the four-year contract was worth a total of $60 million, with $30 million guaranteed, and that the Jags survived a late push from the Denver Broncos to sign the veteran lineman.
Campbell, 30, had another great season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016, recording 53 tackles, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. This season, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best inside defensive lineman:
Few interior players have been more steady over the last decade than Campbell, who has 56.5 career sacks since being the Cardinals’ No. 50 choice in the 2008 NFL draft. For the Cardinals, he will be difficult to replace, but the team may seek to internal possibilities such as Josh Mauro, Corey Peters, Rodney Gunter, and Robert Nkemdiche to fill in.
They could potentially seek to find a successor through free agency or the draft.
Jacksonville will get a legitimate difference-maker on the line who has never missed more than three games in a season. Campbell does not garner the same recognition as some of the NFL’s better stars or edge-rushers, nor does he earn as many sacks, but his ability to be a factor against the run and pass makes him one of the most valuable defensive linemen.
In Campbell, the Jaguars checked a lot of boxes. They improved their defensive line. They offered a senior presence to a rather youthful defense. Their subpar run defense will receive a lift.
