Its official Cards Bring Back Calais Campbell!

[CardNots]

Per multiple reports, first noted by ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is a one-year deal worth $5.5 million with a max of $7.5 million. It is a raise over what he made last season with the Miami Dolphins. In 2024, he played under a one-year, $2 million deal.

Surprised by this. Are you telling me we couldn’t have extended 3 million for a little insurance last season?

 

[Fitz4Ever]

I remember when they let him walk. The talk was around giving him a 3rd contract, and recent history of guys who had gotten one - and the outcome was generally NOT good for teams choosing to do so. You wind up paying for past performance, the guy runs out of gas, gets hurt, or whatever, and the decision is regretted later. IIRC while people were disappointed to see him go, there also wasn't a huge outcry that letting him walk was a mistake either. Hindsight is 20/20 - obviously they'd give him that contract if they could have had any idea what he had left. And after Year 8 we know now he had a LOT left.

This is an overwhelmingly popular move with the gang here, which is pretty rare. Personally I think it's spectacular for all the reasons already mentioned.

I think there wasnt as much outcry until the Hard Knocks...or whatever show it was....came out and showed us the Cardinals being MASSIVE cheap skates and treating CC like dirt. Yes...he was gonna get a big contract. One he had 100% earned with his play btw. The Jags offered him this big deal...and rather than jump on it and be so excited...he was compltely torn. He says multiple times how much he wants to stay in AZ...even going as far as telling his agent "Can we call the cardinals and see if they will even come close"...and the agents answer was "They said its not going to happen".


Calais then goes out ang gets 14.5 sacks and almost winds DPOY.

Meanwhile....old smarty pants Keim and Bidwill knew we had his HOF level replacement ready....a guy who "had the talent of a top 5 pick...he just doesnt like to try"....Robert Kimdiche.

 

[Harry]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

 

[Oklahoma Card]

Who remembers CC hosting The Big Red Rage podcast? He was fantastic on it!

 

[CardNots]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

We need one of the three, agreed but I if we do grab one with subsequent success it will be costly down the road. Would there be a willingness to extend or just a guarantee of a low cost 5 year run.

I tend to believe they are going OT with the first pick if the player they want is available otherwise they are trading down.

 

[BritCard]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

I think people are over hyping this class. It's really solid for 6's and 7's. If you want a guy that needs a bit of work then you're in luck and there's a bunch of players with good upside. I really like a bunch of guys from Grant, through Harmon, Caldwell, Collins, Norman-Lott etc. Even Mason Graham is massively overrated IMO. A 295lb 3-tech with only 9 sacks in 3 starting seasons. He's no Carter or Williams.

And there are other good position groups. Fans are way too hung up on taking iDL and I think the FO has done everything they can to show you what they think.

 

[Metcalf Rules]

He was a great Cardinal and I know it sounds cliche, but I think he’ll be good for the locker room. And I’m hoping he can have that late in career spark that guys like John Abraham and Dwight Freeney did for the Cardinals. I love listening to interviews with Calais. Sounds like he’s doing a Fat Albert impersonation.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

Tomlinson and Campbell would be great mentors for Grant.

 

[Chopper0080]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

I don't believe this will be prohibitive. One thing to remember is that both Jones and Nichols were non-factors when they did play in 2024. It was a new scheme and below their previous level of productivity, but IMO, this is Monti overcorrecting for the failures of last year. He is stacking a positional room to ensure a certain level of competition and production is met. Two guys on one year deals and two mid level guys who underproduced in their shortened 1st year with the team just doesn't keep a team from taking an impact player along the DL. My opinion of course.

It is another sign, IMO, of Monti wanting to trade back in round 1 if the board doesn't fall the way he wants it to.

 

[Chopper0080]

Tomlinson and Campbell would be great mentors for Grant.

I think they are professional guys with seemingly little off field issues. Like James Conner and Budda, I do think there are roles for these types of players on a roster that wants to grow young talent. And no DL vet is going to complain if they are only getting 45% snaps vs 55% snaps. It's a position that doesn't generally play 65%+ snaps so a rotation with a younger player is easier to absorb.

 

[TJ]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

Guarantee that signing a player who’s gonna be 39 at the start of the season isn’t gonna preclude Monti from drafting his replacement

 

[kerouac9]

I think they are professional guys with seemingly little off field issues. Like James Conner and Budda, I do think there are roles for these types of players on a roster that wants to grow young talent. And no DL vet is going to complain if they are only getting 45% snaps vs 55% snaps. It's a position that doesn't generally play 65%+ snaps so a rotation with a younger player is easier to absorb.

I won't soon forget that Campbell was a guy who pulled over to help Tyreek Hill when he was having a confrontation with a cop pre-game in Miami. Managed that situation extremely well.

 

[TJ]

I mean, how can you not love this? Calais comes home and he’s still very productive.

ASFN would find a reason to hate the cure for cancer.

 

[MadCardDisease]

My wife is super happy that Calais is back. She gets to wear her Campbell jersey again.

We kind of want to go to the first home game to absorb the atmosphere when Calais runs out of the tunnel and is introduced for the first time! The crowd is going to go nuts!

 

[Ronin]

Yay!

 

[Shane]

My wife is super happy that Calais is back. She gets to wear her Campbell jersey again.

We kind of want to go to the first home game to absorb the atmosphere when Calais runs out of the tunnel and is introduced for the first time! The crowd is going to go nuts!

Yeah, and then you’re gonna get screwed and pissed you went when it’s a week they introduced the offense. Lol

 

[Harry]

ASFN would find a reason to hate the cure for cancer.

Too expensive

 

[GatorAZ]

Yea, I’m surprised you didn’t know.

If it’s just moving around high schools or transferring for NIL opportunities it doesn’t strike me as character concerns unless there’s more to it than being a mercenary. A lot of these guys go where the money is.

 

[PDXChris]

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[JosiahLee]

I’m so pumped he’s back! But I still want to go DLine in the first rd. This position group has been so bad the last couple years. Keep adding resources.

 

[AZ Native]

Too expensive

Only is in the U.S.

 

[BACH]

Let me start by making a couple of observations. If the Cards had any understanding of leadership this guy would have been a Cardinal for life. Secondly if this prevents taking a young DT in this draft I think the Cards regret this in 2 years. DT has proven to be one of the hardest positions to fill in the draft. This is an extremely rare year where three versatile DTs will be available. Free agency again proved this year that FAs will go for outrageous salaries. The competition for a young one causes a major overpay if you’re lucky enough to get one. More and more smart teams are extending these players. The Cards were lucky to get Tomlinson, but you can’t count on that in a year of need. If things go the way I see it the Cards will be selecting lower in future years. Tomlinson likely plays 2 years at peak performance. How steep the decline will be is unpredictable. Campbell is likely a one and done. I have no doubt he will play well and that he has been assured ample playing time.

So in 2 years I think it highly unlikely a well performing Cards’ team will find an easy answer in the draft. Next year’s pool looks very weak. I also can’t imagine the Cards now drafting a DT as the room is already too full. Some see Robinson moving inside. I think that’s possible on passing downs but even in a rotation he’s not massive enough to avoid wearing down as an anchor. I don’t believe a developable, 2 function DT is on the roster. So while I’m truly pleased to see Campbell return, but this will trigger future complications.

I 100% agree that if signing CC prevents the team from drafting a DT, then it hurts the team longterm.

But I do not agree that signing CC will prevent Monti from drafting a DT. Monti has expressed several times that he wants to build a long-term sustainable competitive team like the Eagles and Ravens. He clearly operate the team in the same way, so I would be surprised if stocking up on talent at a filled position room is where he decides to change his operating style.

As you write, CC and Collier are on 1 year deals, Tomlinson is on a two year deal. Jones and Nichols both have 2 more years on their contract with an out after this season. If the talent is there at DT. Draft it. Collier and Nichols should not be the reason you do not take a better talent and secure the position better for the future

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Collier and Nichols should not be the reason you do not take a better talent and secure the position better for the future

100% this