In a twist that has Miami Dolphins fans feeling the blues, veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell is taking his esteemed talents back to his roots with the Arizona Cardinals. Many had hoped Campbell would return to the Dolphins for another season alongside Zach Sieler, but the Dolphins’ hopes were dashed. Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism about Campbell’s return just days ago, but reality had other plans.

As reports from insider Adam Schefter confirm, Campbell inked a one-year deal with the team that drafted him back in 2008, the Arizona Cardinals. For Campbell, heading back to Arizona is both a homecoming and possibly the final chapter of a storied career spanning 17 seasons. Drafted as a second-round steal, Campbell has been a pillar wherever he played, and his return to the Cardinals adds a nostalgic flair to what could be his last NFL season.

The departure of Campbell leaves a gaping hole in the Dolphins’ defensive line, one that general manager Chris Grier is under fire for not preemptively filling. The reliance on a veteran’s return without solid backup plans in free agency has put Miami in a precarious position.

With the draft around the corner, the urgency to snag a robust defensive tackle is palpable. Expect Miami to make aggressive moves, potentially trying to leap up the draft board to strengthen their defense.

Waiting until pick No. 13 or 48 might mean settling for less than top-tier talent.

As it stands, Zach Sieler is the mainstay on the line, likely to line up with players like Benito Jones and Matt Dickerson, if no new additions are made. The situation stems from earlier roster decisions that saw talents like Christian Wilkins move on.

Betting on Campbell’s return might be seen as a miscalculation by Grier, one that puts pressure not just on the field but also in the front office. With the clock ticking towards the new season, the Dolphins’ management and coaching staff need results, or they might face more than just an offseason shakeup.