Final Puzzle Piece for Vikings Defense Could Become Available
The Minnesota Vikings entered the season with some uncertainty on defense as the front office said goodbye to half of the defensive roster. Despite the many new additions, there were some holes and concerns, especially in the secondary and on the defensive line.
Final Puzzle Piece for Vikings Defense Could Become Available
The Vikings have hit on all new additions, getting elite play out of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman, and at least serviceable performances from Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore. On the defensive line, signing Jerry Tillery has been a good move considering his low salary, although he is not a game-wrecker. One of those — a game wrecker — could become available shortly.
The Miami Dolphins plan to waive former All-Pro Calais Campbell once they are eliminated from playoff contention.
Earlier this week, Associated Press‘ Alanis Thames wrote about Campbell’s budding free agency, “Campbell said Wednesday that he and the Dolphins could have conversations about releasing him so he can join a playoff contender if Miami (6-8) is eliminated from the postseason soon.”
Campbell is a fascinating player, still performing at a high level despite being one of the oldest players in the league after turning 38 in September.
The Baltimore Ravens were close to striking a deal for the defender ahead of the trade deadline on November 5, but Miami’s head coach Mike McDaniel vetoed the trade, Ian Rapoport reported few weeks later: “That is until Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stepped in. Sources say McDaniel stopped the deal, believing that Campbell was too valuable to lose. McDaniel told Campbell this to his face in a meeting.”
However, there will likely be a conversation between Campbell and the team about a release if Miami can’t beat the odds and land one of the wildcard spots in the AFC.
At 6-8, the scenario of elimination is close and another loss ends all playoff theories for the AFC East club.
Campbell could be a massive difference-maker for the Vikings. He has earned an elite PFF grade of 83.4 through the first 14 games of the season, ranking him sixth in the league. His run defensive has gotten an 86.6 from the company, ranking him as the league’s top interior defender by a wide margin, paired with an above-average pass-rush number.
His 32 QB pressures would rank him at the top of Minnesota’s interior defenders. For comparison, Jihad Ward is leading the Vikings with 24. Jerry Tillery and Harrison Phillips both have 14, Jonathan Bullard five, and Jalen Redmond three.
Campbell also possesses the league lead in run stop percentage with 15.2%, way ahead of second-placed D.J. Jones (12.9%).
The Vikings are 12-2 and have a chance to win homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, making them an intriguing destination for Campbell to chase the Lombardi Trophy in the next couple of months.
The one problem? Well, if waived, he has to clear waivers first. The waiver order is practically the current draft order, meaning the Vikings would not get an opportunity to get a hold of him before roughly 30 other teams get their chance.
If he clears waivers without any claims (it is certainly possible that the teams around the league pay their respects to a man who has been to six Pro Bowls and is a Walter Payton Man of the Year winner and let him spend the potential last weeks of his career where he wants), general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should immediately give him a call.
On his resume are six Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro nomination (second-team twice). He has played in 258 career games, registering 109.5 sacks, 185 tackles for loss, and 908 tackles.
His arrival in the Twin Cities would give Flores another difference-maker and could further solidify an already trustworthy front.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt