The Detroit Lions have already added two new defensive lineman to their roster this offseason. However, Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions is not opposed to the Lions’ continued pursuit of veteran Calais Campbell. Booher named Campbell as one of seven defensive free agents the Lions could potentially pursue before training camp begins.
Campbell provides versatility on the defensive line, as he can play outside and set the edge or assist stop the run on the inside,” Booher noted. “This season would be Campbell’s 17th, thus he may not be in peak form.
“However, he could be another useful mentor for the young players such as Brodric Martin and Mekhi Wingo.” Booher also mentioned that the Lions were interested in signing Campbell last offseason. But he ended up signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Campbell had 56 total tackles in Atlanta, including 10 for a loss. In 17 games, he recorded 6.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, one pass defense, and one forced fumble. Campbell was a top defensive lineman in the NFL from 2014 to 2020. During that seven-year span, he appeared in six Pro Bowls and was named to three All-Pro teams.
In 2017, he received Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nominations and finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Campbell earned $141.67 million over his 16-year NFL career.
How Calais Campbell Could Fit With the Lions
Campbell will turn 38 shortly before the regular season begins. But he may still have something left in the tank, making him a valuable acquisition to the Lions’ defensive line. Booher believed that Campbell might help Detroit as both a versatile defensive lineman and a mentor.
“The veteran is held in high regard across the league, as he carries a strong reputation as a former captain,” Booher stated. “If he has some production left in the tank, he could be useful for Detroit both on and off the field.”
Lions added multiple defensive ends and defensive tackles this offseason, so they don’t have a major need at any particularly spot on the defensive line. But Campbell’s ability to play anywhere could be quite appealing for Detroit.
