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Before the league year or free agency even begins, the Baltimore Ravens have been busy at work solidifying their roster. Not only have they been locking up their own players but they’ve agreed to a trade in-principle that will bring Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell to town in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
If just looking at Campbell’s production compared to what the Ravens gave up, it’s a fantastic move for Baltimore, who effectively flipped an extra kicker into a Pro Bowl pass rusher. It gives the Ravens their much-needed second pass-rushing threat opposite outside linebacker Matthew Judon, who has been franchise-tagged for the 2020 season.
Campbell accounted for 6.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits last season, which would have ranked second on Baltimore’s roster behind Judon. But that’s actually a dip in production for Campbell, who has amassed 39.5 sacks and 98 quarterback hits over the last four seasons — averaging just under 10 sacks and 25 quarterback hits a season over that timespan. Campbell will also provide the type of interior pass rush the Ravens have been looking for but have been unable to find with guys like Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams, which should help free up edge rushers like Judon.
However, the trade also brings Campbell’s contract with it. Campbell is in the final year of his deal with the Jaguars and carries a $15 million cap hit for the 2020 season as of right now, according to Over The Cap.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes the Ravens have already been working on a contract extension with Campbell, which will likely reduce his 2020 cap hit pretty dramatically considering he’ll turn 34 years old this upcoming season. Still, while there should be little doubt the Ravens will be able to get a contract extension signed soon, Campbell’s cap hit is going to hang over their heads and limit what they can do in free agency until they get it sorted.
Regardless of Campbell’s cap hit, it’s hard to see many downsides to this move. It’s an answer to Baltimore’s biggest question this offseason while still ensuring they can go after a pass rusher early in the 2020 NFL Draft. If the Ravens can work out an extension with Campbell that lowers his cap hit this season, Baltimore could potentially even continue to be aggressive in free agency and grab a top free agent to further shore up their roster. That’s a huge win for the Ravens.
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