As the Detroit Lions look to build on a promising 2023 season and position themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC, one question on many fans’ minds is whether the team should pursue veteran defensive lineman Calaist Campbell in 2024. The 37-year-old defensive stalwart is currently a free agent after spending the past few seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. With his wealth of experience, leadership, and still-strong performance on the field, Campbell could be a tempting addition to the Lions’ roster. However, there are a number of factors to consider before making such a move.
The Case for Calais Campbell: Experience and Leadership
There’s no question that Calais Campbell brings a wealth of experience to the table. A two-time All-Pro and a former Walter Payton Man of the Year, Campbell has been one of the NFL’s most respected and effective defensive players for over a decade. His presence in the locker room alone could provide immense value to a Lions defense that is still working to develop consistency and identity under head coach Dan Campbell.
The Lions have shown significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball in recent years. After finishing near the bottom of the league in total defense in 2021, Detroit made a concerted effort to invest in the defensive line during the 2022 and 2023 drafts, adding players like Aidan Hutchinson and Aleem McNeill. But the Lions still lack a true veteran presence on the defensive front who can provide leadership and guidance for younger players.
Calais Campbell could fit that role perfectly. Known as one of the most respected figures in the NFL, Campbell’s leadership could help nurture Detroit’s young talent, especially the likes of Hutchinson, who showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. Having a seasoned player like Campbell could elevate the entire defensive line, both in terms of performance and mentality.
A Solid Contributor on the Field
Despite his age, Campbell has proven that he can still perform at a high level. In 2023, his last season with the Ravens, Campbell started in all 17 games and finished with 5.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits, providing solid production in both pass rush and run defense. While he’s not the dominant force he once was in his prime, Campbell still brings a unique combination of size (6-foot-8, 300 pounds) and experience that makes him a reliable option on the field.
For a Lions team that ranked 10th in total defense in 2023 and showed significant improvement in stopping the run, adding a player like Campbell could further elevate their defensive line. Detroit finished 2023 with a solid 13th ranking in sacks, but they could use another veteran presence to further solidify their pass rush, especially in big games.
Campbell’s versatility is another key asset. He can play multiple spots along the defensive line, including defensive tackle and defensive end. This flexibility could allow the Lions to be more creative with their defensive schemes, providing defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn with additional options in terms of line rotations and game planning.
The Argument Against: Age and Future Focus
While Campbell’s veteran experience is invaluable, there are legitimate concerns about his age. At 37, Campbell is clearly on the tail end of his career. NFL players rarely maintain peak performance into their late 30s, especially those who play in the trenches, where the physical toll of the game is most pronounced. At this stage in his career, Campbell is unlikely to be a long-term solution for the Lions, and his contract demands could reflect that.
For the Lions, the question becomes whether signing Campbell is the best move for the team’s long-term goals. Detroit has invested heavily in young talent on the defensive side of the ball in recent years. Draft picks like Hutchinson, McNeill, and linebacker Jack Campbell (from the 2024 draft) have shown promise, and the Lions’ future may lie in continuing to develop these young players rather than bringing in a veteran who may only be able to contribute for one or two seasons at most.
In terms of cap space, the Lions would also need to weigh the financial cost of signing a player like Campbell. While he would likely come at a reduced price given his age, Campbell may still command a significant salary, especially if other teams also express interest. For a team that still needs to balance its cap space to retain young players and potentially make other moves, a deal for Campbell may not be the best use of resources.
Evaluating the Lions’ Defensive Needs
While Campbell could provide immediate help, the Lions’ defense is far from a finished product. Even though they showed improvement in 2023, they still had issues in certain areas, particularly when it came to stopping the run. Detroit finished the season 21st in rushing yards allowed per game, a figure that could certainly improve with more experience and depth on the defensive line.
A player like Campbell, who excels at clogging up running lanes, could be an asset in this regard. His size and physicality make him a strong presence against the run, which would complement the speed and agility of other defensive linemen like Hutchinson and Levi Onwuzurike.
However, Detroit may be better served by continuing to invest in the development of younger players rather than bringing in a veteran like Campbell. They already have a solid foundation on the defensive line, and further development could yield long-term rewards without the need for a short-term fix.
Should the Lions Pull the Trigger?
The decision ultimately boils down to what the Lions prioritize heading into the 2024 season. If they view themselves as a team on the verge of playoff contention and feel that adding a proven, respected veteran like Campbell would put them over the top, he could be a solid addition to the defensive line for a year or two.
However, if the Lions are focused on developing their young talent and saving cap space for the future, signing Campbell might not be the best move. With several young players already showing promise and other areas of the roster that may need attention, the team may decide to pass on the veteran in favor of more long-term solutions.
In the end, Calais Campbell could certainly be a valuable asset to the Detroit Lions’ defense in 2024, but whether he’s the right fit depends on the team’s broader vision for the future. If they want to win now and can afford the investment, Campbell could help elevate their defense. But if they’re focused on building for the long-term, they might look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Ultimately, this decision will shape the course of the Lions’ defense in the coming seasons—and could prove to be a pivotal moment in their attempt to re-establish themselves as a true NFC contender.
