Cardinals’ Calais Campbell listed as 2025 trade candidate by PFF’s Bradley Locker

The Arizona Cardinals’ season has not gone according to plan.

The team has lost five consecutive one-score games while playing in the only division with three five-win teams. Prior to their bye week, ESPN gave them the second-worst NFC playoff odds at only 3%.

PFF’s Bradley Locker listed Arizona defensive lineman Calais Campbell as one of 20 possible trade candidates this season, should the team’s struggles turn into trades.

The Cardinals’ promising start has taken a wayward turn for the worst, one that doesn’t seem especially salvageable. With Campbell at his age and on a one-year deal, shipping him away — particularly to pave the way for playing time for younger players — could be logical. 

Campbell, 39, has started all seven games for Arizona this season. The six-time Pro-Bowler has accumulated three sacks, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble so far in 2025.

While his overall numbers this season aren’t as strong as his peak seasons, Campbell’s consistency throughout his career should make him a valuable piece for teams looking to make a playoff run. With no long-term commitment either, Campbell’s price tag should be relatively low for organizations looking to make some moves before the Nov. 4 deadline.

He’s on track for a 15th straight year with a 71.0-plus overall PFF grade, and has been a well-rounded addition for Arizona’s new-look defense. Campbell has generated 11 pressures while also producing a 70.0 PFF run-defense grade.

Campbell could also provide veteran leadership for young, contending teams.

In his 18 seasons of play, he’s had seven postseason appearances, including a trip to the Super Bowl with Arizona in the 2008 season.

As the only interior defensive lineman on Locker’s list of 20 trade candidates, the author named the Chiefs, Jaguars, Bears and Packers as potential destinations. All four teams are currently above .500.

Prior to the season, Campbell said he would be “very surprised” if he played beyond 2025. A trade would open up more playing time for young players like Darius Robinson and 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen III.

Nolen began his rookie season on the sidelines with a calf issue, but his practice window was opened prior to the Cardinals’ Week 7 game against the Packers.

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