Calais Campbell might have had every right to make exorbitant contract demands.
Sure, the former Jacksonville Jaguars star will be 34 in September, but he is also coming off a run of three straight Pro Bowls, as well as five in the last six seasons. That kind of play is certainly worth financial recognition.
However, one of the reasons the Baltimore Ravens were able to trade for Campbell was is open-mindedness with respect to taking less money to join a roster that had the best record in the NFL last season (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk):
Campbell told reporters on Thursday that there were four or five other teams interested in trading for him. He also said that some of those teams were willing to pay him more than the Ravens, but that the quality of the team in Baltimore made up for any financial differences.
“I was more confident in going to Baltimore even if I had to take less,” Campbell said, via Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com. “There’s not too many teams better.”
The acquisition of Campbell also gives the Ravens some flexibility with respect to Matt Judon.
Baltimore used the franchise tag on Judon, but they could just as easily look to trade him after trading for Campbell and also signing defensive tackle Michael Brockers to shore up the interior on the front floor.
Perhaps it is sensible for Campbell to have taken this pay cut. After all, he has mostly been a standout player on a less-than-stellar Jaguars squad. But now he has the chance to be an impact player for one of the best teams in football.
Follow Us
Subscribe