Miami Dolphins sign veteran DL Calais Campbell to a team-friendly deal

The Miami Dolphins lost a ton of players to free agency this offseason, primarily on the defensive side of the football. And with one new deal after another starting to fall on the offensive side — including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s inevitable contract extension — General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel have had to get creative with their resources, especially on defense.

One way to do so is by signing veterans looking for one last chance at a Super Bowl Ring or maybe even a vet who just wants to play for ‘the love of the game.’ Either way, you get the picture.

With very little money to even sign their own players to long-term deals, Miami isn’t breaking the bank with any free-agent signings like we have become accustomed to in the past. Instead, they’re signing veteran players with experience playing in multiple systems for reasonable contracts. Most importantly, those players can still play.

On offense, the most notable veterans the Dolphins signed were wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (1 year, $3M up to $8M) and tight end Jonnu Smith (2 years, $8M). Both players are making sizable contracts compared to the other players in this article. But after what we saw, the Baltimore Ravens pay OBJ ($15M + $3M in incentives) and the New England Patriots with Jonnu Smith (4 years, $50M), I think Miami made out well.

However, the signings that may have the most significant impact have come on defense. For example, Safety Jordan Poyer signed a one-year deal worth $2 million. Defensive tackle Teair Tart, safety Marcus Maye, and linebacker Anthony Walker also received vet-friendly contracts ($1 Million per season). Every one of those guys can still play and is respected throughout the NFL.

Another veteran player the Dolphins were able to sign was defensive lineman Calais Campbell. On Friday, contract details emerged, and can you guess how much money the 38-year-old veteran will make in 2024?

You guessed it!

$2 Million, according to Spotrac.com!!!! #CelebrateGoodTimesComeOn

Sure, Campbell will be 38 when the season starts, but he hardly plays that way. Last season with the Falcons, the former Miami Hurricane played over 700 snaps on Atlanta’s defensive line — his most since 2018 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the 2023 NFL season with 56 total tackles, ten tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and a safety.

Campbell may be close to hanging up with the cleats. But for a team that just lost Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders and will likely be without both of their superstar pass-rushers to start the season, bringing in a player that can line up all over the defensive line — with 16 years of experience is a massive WIN — especially at this point of the season.

Oh, and he is also familiar with new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver from Campbell’s time in Baltimore, in case you forgot. Here’s what Campbell had to say about Weaver after signing with Miami.

I feel like the main reason why I wanted to come here was because I really believe in who (Defensive Coordinator) Anthony Weaver is as a coach and in our relationship. We talked a lot during the process and just knowing that he knows what I’m capable of doing. He understands my mind and how I see the game, and he trusts me.”

All in all, I believe Miami’s defense improved from top to bottom this offseason. And with the recent signing of Calais Campbell, the team should be almost set for their run at the AFC East Championship and, hopefully, their first of many playoff wins.

But none of that would be possible without all the signings Grier and his staff made this offseason. Now, we hope everything comes together for the first time in 24 years! #InAnthonyWeaverWeTrust

What are your thoughts on what the Miami Dolphins have done this offseason via free agency? Do you like this win-now approach the Dolphins seem to be taking? How do you feel about the Calais Campbell signing now that you know the financial details? Let us know in the comments section below!