There are a lot of big-time decisions to be made by Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell this offseason, including a decision on what to do about defensive lineman Calais Campbell. The veteran has just one year left on his deal, however, for a Jags team that’s currently over the salary cap, Caldwell will have to decide on whether or not the Jags want to bring him back on a price tag of about $15 million.
Caldwell was asked by Jaguars.com about Campbell’s future with the team, and his reply seems to indicate that the Jags want the veteran back.
“We still feel like he has football left ahead of him,” Caldwell said Tuesday.
Caldwell also added that the defensive staff is currently having discussions on Campbell’s role heading forward and how he’ll be used.
To lower his cap figure on the year, many fans have suggested an extension, something the team at least looked into last year. However, the Jags never went through with the process for whatever reason and it may be because both parties could come to an agreement each side felt was fair. If the Jags want to take a second swing at an extension, Campbell told Action Sports Jax that he’s open to it earlier this month, but again, the financial figures have to make sense.
“Obviously, there has to be communication, that’s just the way it is,” said Campbell. “There was communication in years past and we weren’t able to come to an agreement and that’s ok. Hopefully, if there is communication and we can come to an agreement and we can find something that makes sense for both sides. Do I think I’m worth $15 million still? You damn right. You see these guys getting paid 20 plus million (sic.) a year and they’re incredible players, but I feel like I’m as good as most of these guys getting paid this ridiculous money. I’m not going to go and ask for $20 million. I don’t mind being a $15 million a year guy.”
Heading forward it will be interesting to see what direction the Jags go with Campbell because they need to free up some cap space to retain defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. However, if Campbell is retained at his current price tag, the Jags are going to have to make some other big-time cuts to free up the space they need for Ngakoue, their rookie draft class, and free agents.