Calais Campbell Should Be A Top Target For Washington Redskins

It is no secret that the Washington Redskins need help on the defensive line. Adding Calais Campbell to the mix could give them the talent they need to fix the unit.

Going into the 2017 offseason, the Washington Redskins are focusing on the defensive sid eof the ball. Though they have to make a big decision about the fate of Kirk Cousins and of top receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, upgrading their defense is more important. Make no mistake. The Redskins inability to stop offenses throughout the course of the season was a major issue. Their biggest problem unit was their defensive line and they need to attempt to add some reinforcements in free agency.

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One player who could be an excellent fit for the team is 3-4 defensive end Calais Campbell. Campbell, who has spent nine seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, is set to hit the free agent market. The Cardinals will have to make a decision about whether or not to retain him, and it will depend on what they plan to do with their players.

Heading into the offseason, the Cardinals have about $35 million in cap space. That is not a bad number, but they have a lot of key players hitting free agency, including six defensive starters. The top two are pass rusher Chandler Jones and safety Tony Jefferson. Jones is going to command a huge contract because of his edge rushing ability. He seems likely to get the franchise tag. Jefferson, meanwhile, is one of the best young safeties in the game. If the Cardinals prioritize those two over Campbell, they could end up having a tough time affording Campbell.

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Further complicating the situation is the fact that the Cardinals spent a first round pick on Robert Nkemdiche in 2016. Nkemdiche has a solid skill set, and given the investment that the Cardinals made in him, they may feel obligated to give him a chance to start. Perhaps after a year of seasoning Nkemdiche will be ready to take over for Campbell. Regardless, he is a cheaper alternative and that could be enough for the team to move on.

Also hurting Campbell’s cause is that he will be 31 years old when the season begins. Campbell has showed no signs of slowing down, but paying any player a long term, lucrative deal in his 30s is always a risk. Considering that Spotrac has his market value pegged as $8.3 million per year, that could be enough to scare the Cardinals away from him.

If this happens, the Redskins would be ecstatic. They could afford to pay Campbell and also re-sign Chris Baker. The duo could start as the 3-4 ends and the Redskins could target a high upside nose tackle, like Montravius Adams, in the draft. It would be an excellent move, as both Campbell and Baker can rush the passer. Last year, Baker had 4.5 sacks while Campbell has recorded at least five sacks in each of the last eight seasons. They could end up giving the team’s solid edge rushers some extra help and strengthen the front seven.

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At the end of the day, Campbell would be an excellent fit in Washington. Though he may only have a few good seasons left, he would immediately improve the team. If he hits the market, the Redskins may be the top team interested in him and will be able to offer him the type of contract that he desires.

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Calais Campbell Should Be A Top Target Of Washington Redskins In Free Agency

By Jacob Camenker | Feb 18, 2017

It is no secret that the Washington Redskins need help on the defensive line. Adding Calais Campbell to the mix could give them the talent they need to fix the unit.

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