Calais Campbell is returning to Baltimore. The veteran defensive lineman has agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $5.5 million with the Ravens, bringing him back to the franchise he played for from 2020 to 2022.
Campbell, who turns 40 in September, is coming off a productive 2024 season with the Arizona Cardinals. In 17 games, he recorded 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and two pass deflections. He ranks 34th all-time with 117 career sacks over 278 regular-season games.
The reunion comes after a complex history between the player and team. The Ravens released Campbell in March 2023 to create $7 million in salary cap space. They later attempted to acquire him from the Miami Dolphins before the 2024 trade deadline, but that deal was blocked by Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. The Ravens also considered signing him in 2024 before he ultimately re-signed with the Cardinals.
Several factors make Campbell's addition crucial for Baltimore's interior defensive line. Defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike underwent neck surgery in April 2025 and his availability is uncertain. Defensive tackle Broderick Washington is recovering from Achilles surgery. The Ravens used only one of 11 draft picks in 2025 on an interior defensive lineman, selecting Rayshaun Benny in the seventh round. The current interior group includes Travis Jones, John Jenkins, C.J. Okoye, and Aeneas Peebles.
The timing of Campbell's signing was strategic. The deal was announced after 4:00 PM so it would not affect the Ravens' compensatory draft pick formula. The team is projected to receive four compensatory picks for the 2027 draft.