Calais Campbell solidifies Cardinals’ revamped defensive line

It was a blast from the past for the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday with the addition of Calais Campbell.

Eight seasons removed from his first stint in Arizona, the six-time Pro Bowler and 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is once again calling the Valley home.

And it couldn’t come at a more opportune time for the franchise.

Having already landed big-time free agents Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson, Arizona went even further in on shoring up one of the biggest problem areas on the roster.

When looking at pass-rush (33%) and run-stop (30%) win rates, the 2024 Cardinals landed in the bottom half of the league in both.

The only Cardinals player to crack a top 10 spot on either list?

Dante Stills and his 38% run-stop win rate that was good enough for 10th among NFL defensive tackles.

Simply put, Arizona was in need of some major upgrades.

And unlike last year’s free agent haul that left many wanting more, it’s safe to say this year’s class has exceeded just about everyone’s expectations.

No longer does the defensive line feel like the liability it was just months earlier. Instead, it’s looking like a strong suit.

Campbell wasn’t the Cardinals’ biggest splash, but boy does he move the needle that much more both on and off the field. The locker room vibes undoubtedly improved with Tuesday’s signing. That’s a fact.

Projecting Cardinals’ starting DL rotation after Calais Campbell reunion

With the additions this offseason, all signs point to a completely different starting lineup come Week 1.

Last year, it was Justin Jones, Roy Lopez and Bilal Nichols getting the nod.

Now, Campbell, Tomlinson and Darius Robinson should be the leaders in the clubhouse, with Stills and Collier serving as solid rotational pieces. And that’s before mentioning any incoming rookies.

As for Jones and Nichols, two of Arizona’s biggest free agent additions from a year prior? There’s a good chance they are competing for the final roster spot in the room after the team kept six linemen on its initial 53-man roster.

After staying relatively healthy across their respective careers, the duo went down with season-ending injuries. Jones appeared in three games before suffering a torn triceps, while Nichols played in six before a neck injury/stinger sidelined him.

Whoever ends up being the odd man out could very well be a trade candidate for a late-round pick. That would classify as a best-case scenario for Arizona in that situation.

If not, a release — and the dead money that comes with — is another avenue.

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