With a new CBA in place, free agency set to open on Wednesday, and the legal tampering period in full flow, teams were chomping at the bit to improve their teams. With an increased cap number, teams can now actually act instead of guessing or pretending. So let’s jump right into the beginning off the offseason frenzy!
The first team to make waves was the Baltimore Ravens. They were aggressive out the gate and made a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, for twelve-year veteran defensive end Calais Campbell. The Ravens would only give up a 2020 fifth round pick to acquire Campbell. An absolute steal of a deal for such a high caliber impact defender and they would quickly reward Campbell with a two year, $27 million extension.
At 6’8”, 300 lbs., Campbell will give the Ravens much needed pass-rush help upfront as the bookend to Brandon Williams (6’1”, 336 lbs.), with nose tackle Michael Pierce (6’0”, 340 lbs.) between them and back up Chris Wormley (6’5”, 300 lbs.), they will form one of the leagues biggest defensive lines in the NFL. Quick update, as I am writing this, the Ravens just signed free agent Michael Brockers (6’5”, 305 lbs.), who will be the new bookend mate to Calais Campbell. I’ll have more on that soon.
What the Ravens will be getting in Campbell is one of the best pass rushers in the league’s history. With 88 career sacks, he currently ranks 54th on the all-time sack list. He also ranks sixth all-time in tackles for a loss with 151, which the league began recording in 1999. As you can see he is a disruptive impact player and that is something the Ravens have been missing for some time now. The five time Pro-Bowler & one time All-Pro, will not only give them a leader in the locker room but also off the field, as he was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year, this past season. The Ravens see Campbell as a win-now addition to their team, which costs them basically pennies on the dollar.
He has been a super durable player, that hasn’t missed a game over the past five seasons and only two games in the last seven seasons. He’ll turn 34 just as the season begins (hopefully) in September, but still has a window of 2-3 years left of above-average production at least. His peak was just two seasons ago, where he posted career highs in sacks (14.5), QB hits (30), forced fumbles (3), to go along with 67 tackles that was his third-best season total of career. The following season (2018), Campbell would record his second straight double-digit sack season (10.5) and tie his career-best in tackles (72). Last year, there were some signs of a potential decline, only recording 6.5 sacks, but the overall pass rush numbers (33 QB pressures & 25 QB hits), were as good as ever.
For Campbell, this could be his best chance to win a championship. The Ravens offense has as good of weapons as Campbell has ever played with, which will allow him to play with a lead, instead of his team trailing. He has experience as a 3-4 defensive end, from his time in Arizona. He has the versatility to play all along the defensive line, which will allow Baltimore to get creative with him and keep him in matchup advantages. This could also breathe some new life and energy into Calais, and we’ve seen before, that a change of scenery for players can be huge.
For fantasy owners, I would expect more of the same from Campbell. I believe it’s reasonable to expect between 8-12 sacks in each of the next two seasons. In leagues where sacks are scored heavily, that’s above-average production at the defensive end position. He has posted ten straight seasons of 50+ tackles and he should easily hit that mark again.
In terms of fantasy value, I believe Campbell is worth a fourth round pick. You may be able to get a very late third if you can find someone desperate for defensive end help or likes big-name players. As of now the best deal I have seen offered to an owner, straight up for Campbell, is pick 4.03. That’s a deal I easily take, considering the closing production window for Campbell. While I still like Campbell as a fantasy option and still think he has a couple of top 15 seasons left at the defensive end spot, now may be the best time to sell and get something to help build your team’s future.
Thank you for reading my article and if enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles here. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation & D.I.G. (Devy IDP Grind) that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
