Cardinals in ‘wait-and-see mode’ with Calais Campbell
The Cardinals have been in contact with Calais Campbell on another potential reunion, but they're stuck in wait-and-see mode as the 18-year veteran considers his options.
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TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell was a key fixture in his return to the franchise last year.
Sitting second on the team behind only pass rusher Josh Sweat in sacks and tackles for loss and first in blocked kicks, he more than lived up to expectations.
Are the Cardinals in for another comeback tour in 2026 with the free agent?
“We’ve been in contact with Calais and we’re kind of just in a wait-and-see mode,” general manager Monti Ossenfort said Saturday. “He’s certainly earned that right and really enjoyed our year last year with him. We’ll see what that leads to down the road.”
The Cardinals remain in a “wait-and-see mode” when it comes to veteran DL Calais Campbell and where he stands for 2026. pic.twitter.com/JXAlcBpPnr
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) April 25, 2026
On top of Campbell’s free-agent status, the veteran is nearing the end of his impressive NFL career.
A return to action would mark Year 19 for the defensive lineman, a feat all on its own.
But while the Cardinals appear interested in a potential reunion, they likely won’t be his only suitor.
Campbell may be getting up there in age, but he was still plenty effective for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis.
He also provided a strong voice in the locker room as a leader and mentor.
Without Campbell in the mix, the Cardinals defensive line room is currently headlined by Walter Nolen III, Darius Robinson and 2026 fourth-rounder Kaleb Proctor. Jonah Williams, Dante Stills, L.J. Collier and Roy Lopez are also expected to contribute.
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Comments
5 Comments
Hire Campbell as a player coach! Walter Nolan said he was a great mentor. I think he’s learned a thing or two in his 20 year career.
To me the D- line is our weakest area of the football team and there’s not even a close 2nd. For Calais be in our best defensive tackle at the age of 38 in a year 18 was a damning testimony to Monty‘s draft picks and free agents with exception only to Walter Nolan III.
So YES! Please bring him back.
If CC staying stunts the development of a younger player, then the wise move would be to cut ties - or convince him to retire.