Chiefs Gifted Perfect DL Upgrade Right Before Playoffs (and He's Tyreek Hill's Teammate)
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs have likely already put the finishing touches on their postseason roster pending injured players yet to return, though they suddenly could still have one intriguing option in free agency.
Dolphins star DT Calais Campbell will reportedly be released by Miami if the team is eliminated from contention so that he can join a contender to try to finish his career with a Super Bowl. Considering that the team has a less than 5% chance to make the playoffs and could be eliminated as soon as this week, Kansas City has a big opportunity to bolster the defense.
A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Cambell is one of the best interior defensive linemen of his generation. Pairing him with Chris Jones just might put a resurgent Chiefs defense over the top when the games matter most.
Chiefs Given Sneaky Opportunity to Sign All-Pro DT Calais Campbell
Whether Calais Campbell will finish season here is fluid. Will be here at least as long as in playoff contention. If Fins eliminated, Dolphins releasing him to join contender still in play
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 18, 2024
Despite being 38 years old, Campbell still ranks as the seventh-best defense tackle (out of 214 qualified players) at Pro Football Focus. He has started all 14 games this year, notching 43 tackles, five deflected passes, and four sacks.
From his perspective, it's obvious why Campbell would want to join Kansas City, desperate to experience real playoff success before his career ends. Having spent his time with the Cardinals, Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins, the 17-year veteran deserves to get a ring.
On the Chiefs' side of things, it'd be the perfect "no stone left unturned" move to cap off a year full of them. After ranking in the top three in the NFL in sacks over the last two seasons, Kansas City has fallen to 21st this year. The pass rush has improved since Charles Omenihu returned, yet there's no real reason not to bring in a player of Campbell's caliber to raise the floor and ceiling of the group.
Pairing Campbell with Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Turk Wharton, and Omenihu could be deadly. It also might be necessary given how powerful the Bills and Ravens look offensively.
In all likelihood, Campbell wouldn't play a big role even in the playoffs. That said, what is the backup plan if one of the Chiefs' defensive linemen gets hurt? Brett Veach needs to prepare for the worst, and there isn't a better insurance plan out there than Campbell right now.
To swoop Tyreek Hill's teammate in the process? That'd just be a cherry on top.
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