It's now official. Baltimore has acquired Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Baltimore sent a 2020 fifth-round pick, which came from the trade of Hayden Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons, to the Jaguars.
The Ravens also agreed in principle with Campbell on a one-year contract extension, pending the passing of a physical.
"Calais is a player we have long admired, even going back to the draft when he came out of college," General Manager Eric DeCosta stated. "He's a natural fit for our defense and a versatile player who plays like a Raven. Even better, he is a leader on the field and in the community. We are so excited to add Calais and can't wait to welcome the Campbell family to Baltimore in person."
The 33-year-old Campbell has 88 sacks during his 12-year career, including a career-high 14 ½ sacks in 2017. His 31½ sacks since 2017 are the seventh-most in the NFL over the past three seasons, and Campbell made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons with the Jaguars.
The 6-foot-8, 300-pounder has also been extremely durable, starting 90 straight games dating back to 2014.
In addition to his on-field exploits, Campbell is one the NFL's most respected figures, the most recent winner of the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Campbell had 6 ½ sacks for Jacksonville last season, which is more than anyone on the Ravens had except outside linebacker Matthew Judon, who led Baltimore with 9 ½ sacks. The Ravens had four sacks from defensive linemen last year – the fewest in the NFL. Upgrading the interior pass rush is a major priority.
The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Judon last week, retaining his rights for next season. A Judon-Campbell pass-rushing duo, as well as reported new addition Michael Brockers, presents a formidable foundation for an upgraded pass rush. Baltimore finished 21st in the league in sacks last season, but Campbell will add a jolt .
Campbell can also be dominant as a run stopper, with 309 tackles over the past five seasons, the second-most in the league during that time frame. He teams with Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams to fill a void after Michael Pierce was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
Campbell has never been on a Super Bowl-winning team and coming to Baltimore would give him a realistic shot at a championship.
