The New York Jets missed the opportunity to acquire Jadeveon Clowney, but they are considering pursuing another experienced veteran like Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler.
Even though the Jets had promising discussions with Clowney, the top pick in the draft ultimately opted for a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.
This decision has deprived the Jets of an additional proven pass rusher. Justin Fried from The Jet Press provided a list of alternative free agents that the Jets could target, with Campbell being one of the prominent options.
“The Jets expressed interest in acquiring Campbell the previous offseason, but he eventually signed with the Falcons,” Fried mentioned. “If Campbell is open to playing for another season (which seems likely), the Jets should try to secure his signature once more.”
Considering their past interest in Campbell, it would be a logical move for the Jets to pursue him once more, potentially on a one-year contract.
Calais Campbell is a renowned figure in the NFL.
Throughout his NFL career, Calais Campbell has been a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. Despite moving between several teams, Campbell has remained one of the most impactful defensive players for the past ten years.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Campbell spent the first nine seasons of his career with the team. During his time in Arizona, he achieved two Pro Bowl selections and two second-team All-Pro nods.
Campbell excelled during his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, especially after signing a lucrative four-year, $60 million contract ahead of the 2017 season. He played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the AFC Championship in 2017, earning a first-team All-Pro recognition with a career-best 14.5 sacks.
Following his successful stint in Jacksonville, Campbell also had stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Despite being 37 years old, he boasts an impressive resume including three All-Pro team honors, six Pro Bowl appearances, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Given his remarkable career achievements, Campbell stands as a strong candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, if he decides to continue playing, the New York Jets could be a suitable option for him.
The Jets possess numerous youthful players specializing in pass-rushing.
If the Jets fail to acquire an experienced pass rusher, they will rely heavily on the young talents within their team for impactful contributions.
The Jets selected a pass rusher in the first round in consecutive seasons. Jermaine Johnson, chosen as the 26th overall pick in the 2022 draft, made a significant impact after a subdued debut season. He registered 7.5 sacks in the most recent season and also scored a 37-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
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