At 38 years old, Calais Campbell is still playing as a focal point on defense in Miami. There was a chance that the team would trade him at the deadline, giving him an opportunity to return to Baltimore for the first time since 2022, but the trade was ultimately vetoed, seemingly guaranteeing he would finish the year as a Dolphin. Per Joseph Furones of the Sun Sentinel, Campbell confirmed recent rumors he may still find his way out of Miami on waivers.
Just prior to the trade deadline, a Ravens team who was desperate to improve a struggling defense made a number of stabs in the trade market, including offers for Campbell and veteran cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Tre’Davious White, the latter of which they successfully acquired. The Campbell-trade was reported to have fallen just short at the finish line, and it was later uncovered that head coach Mike McDaniel personally vetoed the deal that would’ve sent the six-time Pro Bowler back to Baltimore in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Now, it appears that Campbell could still depart Miami, but this time, the Dolphins wouldn’t be receiving anything in return. In his conversation with Furones, Campbell indicated that, should Miami be eliminated from playoff contention — something the team is dangerously close to — Campbell could request to be waived, giving him an opportunity to sign with a contender and win his first Super Bowl.
The Dolphins are currently 6-8. If they win out, they could finish the season as high as the fifth seed in the AFC for the playoffs — a top wild card spot. Note that this would require the Broncos, Chargers, and Ravens to lose all of their remaining games. If the Dolphins win out and any of the other three wild card teams lose out, the Dolphins would secure a playoff spot. If Miami suffers one loss, though, in games against the 49ers, at the Browns, and at the Jets, that would be enough to eliminate them from playoff contention.
There’s no deadline on when a player can be waived, so if any of the above matchups result in a loss, Campbell could be cut lose, and should he pass through waivers unclaimed, he would be able to sign wherever he chooses. It’s assumed he would want to sign with a contender. This could mean that he’ll chase after a roster spot with one of the division-leaders of the AFC in Kansas City, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, or Houston. He could also head back to the NFC in favor of the Eagles, Lions, or Vikings, especially considering how thin Detroit’s defensive line has been spread due to injuries.
More likely, though, Campbell may choose a contender with whom he has a history. This leaves the door open for a potential return to the Ravens, a team that would likely still embrace him with open arms. Only time will tell. The job is not finished in Miami. Though a playoff spot seems like a long shot for the Dolphins, it’s still within reach. One more win by the Broncos, Chargers, and Ravens or one more loss by the Dolphins will eliminate that possibility, but it would also create the potential to open the door for Campbell to win a championship, nonetheless.
