Tag: Calais Campbell

Dolphins’ top 2025 draft prospects: Toledo DT Darius Alexander

Zach Sieler is the only Dolphins defensive lineman under contract in 2025. Could Darius Alexander be a long-term solution?

At 6’4, 310 pounds, with top-end speed for his position, Toledo defensive lineman Darius Alexander has the explosive ability to be disruptive in the backfield.

Alexander is a powerful and athletic tackle who has the speed that the Dolphins covet. The extremely quick lineman could be an immediate impact player as a three-down tackle.

His draft projection has been on the rise since his performance at the Senior Bowl. Alexander was one of the biggest winners in Mobile, Ala. and may have climbed a round or even made himself a top 50 prospect.

Alexander earned First-Team All-MAC honors in 2024, finishing his final collegiate season with 40 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five passes defended, and an interception. In 57 career games, he tallied 127 total tackles, 22 for loss, nine sacks, and 13 passes defended.

Position: Defensive tackle
Projected round: 2nd round
Height: 6’4
Weight: 310

Fit for Miami

The Dolphins have a few impending free agents on the defensive line, including Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, and Da’Shawn Hand. Veteran Zach Sieler could use some help should Campbell officially retire and Alexander could be a perfect three-technique, three-down tackle for the Dolphins to plug in right away.

Alexander can pair with Sieler on the Miami line. With Sieler coming off back-to-back 10-sack seasons, adding Alexander could be beneficial for both the Miami run and pass defense.

Bottom line

Miami didn’t miss a beat on the defensive line after losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, thanks to the arrival of Campbell. But after his 17th NFL season, Campbell’s return is far from a lock.

Even if Campbell decides to go another round in 2025, Alexander could still be in play as a long-term solution. The Dolphins could use a player with his power and speed as a disruptive force against the run with pass-rush potential.

One thing is for sure, should Campbell call it a career, Miami will need to address the defensive line in the draft sooner than later. Despite coming from a MAC school in Toledo, the Dolphins would be wise to consider Alexander on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft.

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Calais Campbell: ‘I have to treat this like it could be my last game’

The Dolphins’ 38-year-old defensive lineman hasn’t decided if he’ll retire, but he’ll leave it all on the field just in case.

The Miami Dolphins have a chance to reach the playoffs Sunday, but the likelier scenario is that their season will end, regardless of their result against the New York Jets in Week 18.

And for Calais Campbell, that could mean the end of a special career.

“I try not to make decisions during the season,” Campbell said of retirement Thursday. “I try to wait till the offseason to kind of really put myself in that, and I do feel like there’s a chance I could play again. I know that it’s not 100 percent or I’m definitely going to be done, but I have to treat this like it could be my last game.

“That’s a pretty strong emotional feeling there. As much as I love this game, as much as I’ve given this game, the fact that this could be the last one is kind of crazy. But I’m going to go out there and play with all my heart and try to finish with a bang.”

Campbell, 38, is one the oldest players in the NFL and is wrapping his 17th season in the NFL. The veteran has hardly lost a step, though.

In his first season with the Dolphins, Campbell has recorded four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and five tipped passes. His 82.7 grade on Pro Football Focus leads all players on the Miami defense, and ranks seventh among all defensive linemen in the NFL.

When Campbell eventually becomes Hall of Fame eligible, it shouldn’t take long for him to be eventually enshrined in Canton. For now, though, he’s trying to appreciate however much time he has left in the NFL.

“This is not my first time feeling that way,” Campbell said. “So it doesn’t mean I’m definitely going to retire, but definitely you have to have that mindset because at the end of the day, I don’t know. And I want to make sure that if this is my last game that I make it worthwhile.”

Campbell was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. At the end of his rookie season, Campbell played in Super Bowl XLIII, but the Cardinals came up short in a 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Campbell has played in 11 playoff games since, he hasn’t played in another Super Bowl.

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Calais Campbell ready to be ‘a huge Chiefs fan’ in Week 18

The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are in the Chiefs’ hands, but Calais Campbell is just happy to have a shot.

The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 season may rest in the hands of Carson Wentz and other Kansas City Chiefs backups.

With a win next week against the New York Jets, the Dolphins would finish the regular season with a 9-8 record. That’ll only be good enough for a spot in the playoffs if the Chiefs manage to beat the Denver Broncos in Week 18.

How motivated the Chiefs, who already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, will be to beat their division rival remains to be seen. Kansas City will presumably bench several starters, including two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. But Dolphins veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is keeping faith.

“We’ve got a shot,” Campbell said. “I don’t know what the percentage is, but it don’t matter. I just know for the first time in my life, I’m about to be a big Chiefs fan for at least a week. A huge Chiefs fan.

“I don’t know what [Chiefs coach] Andy Reid is going to do with his players and all that. But in football, it’s nice to have a shot. In sports, period. It’s never over ’til it’s over. … It might not happen, that’s part of it. But we gotta go out there and do our part.”

Campbell, 38, is a six-time Pro Bowler, a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner, and a shoo-in to eventually make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But the 6’8 defensive lineman has never won a Super Bowl ring. His only appearance in the big game was Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009 during his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals.

“Every week you’re just like ‘wow, we’re fortunate to have this guy,'” Campbell said. “His appetite for the game is real and every time he speaks, the team takes it super serious and it leaves an impression on them. I think he’s one of the absolute reasons we’re still alive for postseason play, and we get an opportunity to play one guaranteed game.”

In 16 games with the Dolphins, Campbell has four sacks, five pass deflections, 11 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. His 82.7 grade on Pro Football Focus ranks as the best on the Dolphins defense.

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Could the Vikings land a former Pro Bowler before the playoffs?

With the Miami Dolphins all but out of the playoffs, could Calais Campbell be on his way to the Minnesota Vikings for the stretch run?

The Minnesota Vikings are currently sitting at 12-2 and tied with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions atop the NFC standings. That makes Minnesota’s final three games the most pivotal of the season. If the Vikings win, they’ll not only take home the NFC North crown but will be the top seed in the NFC, earning them a first-round bye.

Minnesota doesn’t play Philadelphia, but thanks to tie-breakers, they have the advantage over them. The Vikings do play the Lions to end the season, and the winner of that game could determine whether Minnesota walks away with the #1 seed, or falls all the way to the #5. Some help could be on the way for the Vikings in the form of a former Pro Bowler.

The Miami Dolphins’ loss last week against the Houston Texans all but eliminated them from playoff contention in the AFC. There is still a slim chance, but they would need a lot to go right. With that impending elimination comes the idea that Miami could be parting with defensive tackle/end Calais Campbell.

According to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson, the Dolphins could opt to release Campbell once they are officially eliminated from contention in an effort to allow him to sign with a contender and chase a Super Bowl trophy that has eluded him throughout his illustrious 17-year career.

The Vikings have the cap space to make such a move, and doing so would strengthen an already great defense. Campbell could come in and immediately join a rotation at defensive tackle, giving the Vikings even more pass-rush prowess.

Over 14 games with the Dolphins this season, Campbell has notched 43 tackles and four sacks, adding nine quarterback hits in his age-38 season. He’s also provided the Dolphins with a forced fumble and has knocked down five passes.

Adding Campbell’s production to the likes of Harrison Phillips and their EDGE rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard could put the Vikings over the top down the stretch.

Dolphins may cut veteran DL soon to let him chase a Super Bowl ring

A Super Bowl with the Dolphins looks like a lost cause, but Calais Campbell’s pursuit of a ring this year might not be over.

When Calais Campbell signed with the Miami Dolphins in June, the 38-year-old future Hall of Famer hoped it’d give him the chance to add a missing piece to his illustrious career: a Super Bowl ring.

But now that the team is 6-8 and its postseason hopes are circling the drain, winning a Super Bowl with the Dolphins is looking like a lost cause. Campbell’s chances at a trip to Super Bowl might not be over, though.

On Wednesday, the six-time Pro Bowler told reporters that it’s possible the Dolphins could release him relatively soon to allow him to sign with a contender.

“Weeks back, before the trade deadline and stuff, there was a small conversation that you really didn’t hope would ever even become a thing,” Campbell told reporters, via David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. “Nothing concrete or anything like that. I don’t know if we’re there just yet, but it’s definitely something you think about.

“In this business, they rarely involve the player in the decisions, right? I just show up, be a professional, and try be the best player I can be to help my team win. I came here to the Dolphins with a year-long commitment to go out here compete and try to make the playoffs. That job is technically not done yet. We still have a shot, so I’m committed.”

To make the playoffs, Miami would have to win its last three games and hope the Colts lose at least once and either the Chargers lose two of their last three or the Broncos or Ravens lose out.

If the Dolphins are eliminated soon and Campbell is cut loose by the team, he would hit the waiver wire, as even vested veterans must do so after the trade deadline. There would be no shortage of interest in the 38-year-old’s services.

There was a bidding war for Campbell at the deadline with the Baltimore Ravens even offering a fifth-round pick for the lineman. The Ravens would presumably still have interest, and other contenders — like the Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Buffalo Bills — could also use a defensive line boost.

In 14 games with the Dolphins, Campbell has four sacks, five pass deflections, a forced fumble, and 10 tackles for loss.

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Tyreek Hill, 4 other Dolphins sit out Wednesday practice

The Dolphins had Bradley Chubb, Cameron Goode, and Blake Ferguson all back on the practice field Wednesday.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was one of five players to sit out the team’s Wednesday practice ahead of a Week 14 game against the New York Jets.

Hill was listed as “rest/wrist” meaning there likely wasn’t a setback that forced the receiver out of action. The eight-time Pro Bowler has been dealing with a wrist injury all season and his latest absence is likely the team giving the veteran a day off with the season winding down.

Also out of action, as is usually the case on Wednesdays, were veterans Calais Campbell and Terron Armstead. They were joined by offensive tackle Kendall Lamm and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.

Wednesday participation

DNP

  • OT Terron Armstead (knee)
  • DT Calais Campbell (rest)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/rest)
  • OT Kendall Lamm (back/elbow)
  • LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring)

Limited

  • LB Bradley Chubb (knee)
  • CB Kendall Fuller (concussion)
  • LB Cameron Goode (knee)
  • DT Benito Jones (shoulder/back)
  • CB Kader Kohou (back)
  • RB Raheem Mostert (hip)
  • S Jordan Poyer (rest/finger)
  • G Isaiah Wynn (quad/knee)

Full

  • LS Blake Ferguson (non-football illness)
  • FB Alec Ingold (calf)

Noticeably absent from the list is cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has appeared on recent reports with knee injuries.

For the Jets, cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall were both sidelined Wednesday.

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Dolphins still clinging to playoff dream: ‘I feel 10-7 gets us in’

The Dolphins’ narrow path to the playoffs got much tighter with their latest loss.

A narrow path to the postseason for the Miami Dolphins got significantly tighter Thursday night with their 30-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Now at 5-7 on the year, the Dolphins’ only realistic shot at the playoffs is to track down and pass at least one of four teams: the 8-3 Pittsburgh Steelers, 8-4 Baltimore Ravens, 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers, or 7-5 Denver Broncos. That’s an uphill climb they still think is possible.

“I told the guys I feel 10-7 gets us in,” Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell told reporters after the loss. “We got to believe that our efforts will matter if we do what we’re suppose to do, I think it gives us a shot. I’ve seen some crazy things happen.”

“I wouldn’t say the dream’s dead for our team just yet, anything can happen in this league,” Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said.

Getting to 10-7 would mean winning five straight to close out the regular season. Left on the schedule for the Dolphins are home games against the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, along with road games against the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, and Jets.

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Calais Campbell’s brother details ‘bidding war’ at trade deadline

The Dolphins’ decision to keep Calais Campbell despite a litany of trade offers made a strong impression on the lineman.

Earlier this week, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team had an offer from the Baltimore Ravens for defensive lineman Calais Campbell that they turned down just before the NFL’s trade deadline.

According to Campbell’s brother, it was much more than just that.

“There was a bidding war,” Jared Campbell said on a podcast with comedian Michael Lenoci. “They had nine teams that offered at least a sixth-round pick. … Then there was a bidding war, so then the teams offered a fifth — the 49ers and the Ravens. The [Dolphins] said ‘Oh, we’ll go with the Ravens. You’re familiar with the team, they look good. You’re good.’ And the 49ers came in last minute and said we’ll give a fourth-round pick for him.”

Other teams in the mix, according to Jared, included the Cardinals, Bears, Commanders, and Bengals.

Receiving a fourth-round pick for a 38-year-old defensive lineman on an expiring contract is hard to turn down. The fact that the Dolphins kept Campbell in spite of those offers was a show of faith that wasn’t lost on the 17th year defensive lineman.

“Calais was prepared to be traded,” Jared Campbell said. “Somehow they came to the decision in the final hour before they were like ‘Hey, give us that pick.’ To be like, ‘No, we’re not going to do this.’ Calais was like ‘Man, it made me feel like love. Because if you turn down a fourth-round pick for a 38-year-old guy on an expiring contract, you must really want me.'”

The Dolphins’ faith has been rewarded in recent weeks. The team has won three straight since the Nov. 5 deadline and Campbell’s leadership has made a strong impression on his teammates.

The six-time Pro Bowler leads the team in sacks with four and tackles for loss with nine.

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5 Dolphins out, 6 limited in Tuesday practice

Tyreek Hill was one of five Dolphins absent from practice Tuesday.

The Miami Dolphins were back on the practice field Tuesday, two days ahead of a Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers, but Tyreek Hill and four other players weren’t participants.

While Hill is dealing with a wrist injury, his absence Tuesday is listed as happening for personal reasons.

Elsewhere, the injury report largely mirrored the estimation the Dolphins released Monday. The only differences were the returns of defensive lineman Calais Campbell and safety Jordan Poyer, who were both listed as expected to miss Monday for rest.

Tuesday participation

DNP

  • OT Terron Armstead (knee)
  • OLB Tyus Bowser (knee/calf)
  • CB Kendall Fuller (concussion)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal)
  • LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring)

Limited

  • DL Calais Campbell (rest)
  • FB Alec Ingold (calf)
  • DT Benito Jones (shoulder)
  • S Jordan Poyer (rest)
  • CB Jalen Ramsey (knee)
  • G Isaiah Wynn (quad/knee)

Full

  • TE Julian Hill (shoulder)
  • S Jevón Holland (hand/knee)
  • G Robert Jones (knee/groin)

Rookie Patrick McMorris previously appeared on the injury report as a full participant, but was removed after he was activated from the injured reserve Tuesday.

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Steelers special team ace nominated for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

The Steelers have nominated Miles Killebrew for the 11th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, honoring his integrity and dedication.

The NFL announced Monday morning that all 32 teams have nominated one player for the 11th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Recipients of this prestigious honor must demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship both on and off the field. For their nomination, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected special teams captain Miles Killebrew.

Previous winners of the award, which highlights outstanding sportsmanship, include legends such as LB Bobby Wagner, DT Calais Campbell, RB Adrian Peterson, QB Drew Brees, and WR Larry Fitzgerald, to name just a few.

For Killebrew, winning an award associated with these all-time great leaders of sportsmanship in the NFL would undoubtedly be a significant honor. His unwavering dedication to the game he loves may very well bring him one step closer to making this goal a reality.

Killebrew’s consistent display of integrity, respect, resilience, and dedication to the Pittsburgh Steelers exemplify the outstanding qualities of an Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner.

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