When Calais Campbell left the Baltimore Ravens after the 2022 season, it wasn’t because he’d lost a step. The Ravens simply couldn’t make the numbers work under the salary cap. Two years later, the tires are slowly wearing thin, but Campbell remains a steady, disruptive force in the trenches.

The Dolphins’ 32-20 loss to the Jets on Sunday not only crushed their playoff hopes but also may signal the end of Calais Campbell’s short stint in Miami. Reports before Week 18 suggested the Dolphins could release the veteran defensive tackle if they failed to make the postseason, giving him the freedom to chase a Super Bowl with another contender.

In 2024, he tallied 52 tackles, five sacks, and five passes batted down—production that speaks to his ageless impact.

The Ravens’ defensive front has been solid this season, led by Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones. But adding Campbell would give Baltimore an added layer of depth and flexibility for their playoff push. His ability to clog running lanes and disrupt passing windows could be a nightmare for AFC playoff teams that rely on timing and rhythm, such as Kansas City and Buffalo.

It’s not just his on-field production that makes Campbell valuable. Ravens fans already know the intangibles he brings. Campbell is a leader in every sense of the word, someone who instantly elevates the culture and professionalism of a locker room. With a deep playoff run looming, his calming presence, championship hunger, and wealth of experience could be as valuable as his play.

It was nice knowing you, Miami—now, what’s going on with the Calais Campbell situation?

If Miami does release Campbell as expected, the Ravens won’t be the only suitors. Contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and even Pittsburgh Steelers could come calling, each offering a unique appeal. However, there’s one major caveat. If the Dolphins were to release Campbell, he’d have to clear waivers to make his way to Baltimore. And that’s easier said than done.

The Steelers, along with contending teams like the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston Texans—and that’s just in the AFC—are ahead of the Ravens in the waiver order. There’s a chance he falls to the Ravens, but more likely than not, he’ll be a hot commodity for any playoff team.

However, Baltimore has a leg up in one crucial department: familiarity. Campbell knows the system, the coaching staff, and the team’s expectations. He thrived in Baltimore from 2020 to 2022, earning a Pro Bowl nod and cementing himself as a fan favorite. That comfort could be the deciding factor if Campbell is weighing multiple offers if he hits free agency.

As the Ravens gear up for a playoff run, adding Campbell would be more than a reunion—it could be the move that puts them over the top. After all, they attempted to bring him in at the trade deadline before Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel vetoed the move. For a team that’s had its sights set on a Lombardi Trophy all season, this feels like the perfect time to bring back one of their most respected veterans.

Campbell said it best himself earlier this year: “My whole career, I’ve been close, but no cigar.” If he’s ready for one last ride, there’s no better place for it than Baltimore.