Former All-Pro Defender on Vikings’ Wishlist for Playoff Run
The Minnesota Vikings are just two weeks away from their first playoff contest unless they can unseat the Detroit Lions by winning the final two games of the season to clinch the top seed in the NFC playoff picture and the subsequent bye week. Help for Brian Flores’ defense could be on the way, though.
Former All-Pro Defender on Vikings’ Wishlist for Playoff Run
Defensive coordinator Flores has done a marvelous job with his defensive crew, landing close to the top in points allowed and numerous meaningful defensive statistics.
However, they aren’t done trying to improve, and hiring Dolphins standout defender Calais Campbell for the playoffs could be in the cards.
The veteran is still on Miami’s roster but once they are eliminated from playoff contention, the franchise could release Campbell, opening the possibility for him to hunt a ring with a different club.
Omar Kelly from the Miami Herald expects the Vikings to be one of the teams interested in the 38-year-old’s services.
“The Dolphins can give this former University of Miami standout just that by granting his request to be released next week if/when the Dolphins are eliminated from postseason contention,” Kelly wrote. “That’s why the expectation is that this will be Campbell’s final game with the Dolphins – for this season – unless Miami’s still in the playoff hunt in the regular-season finale against the New York Jets.”
Campbell is one of the oldest players in the NFL, having played in 259 regular season games.
Kelly added, “Campbell and the Dolphins have discussed his release, which would need to happen before next week’s season finale, giving him an opportunity to latch on to a team competing for the Super Bowl.”
Teams would surely line up for a chance to add the potential Hall of Famer for his on-field play, experience, and leadership for a trip to the postseason.
His sack count is up to 109.5, and he has already recorded 911 tackles. Despite his advanced age, Campbell is still one of the premier inside defenders, especially against the run, and would be an additional difference-maker in the trenches.
Kelly mentioned the Ravens and Chiefs as potential suitors in the AFC before taking a look at the NFC:
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are also expected to be interested, and might put in a waiver claim to strengthen their cause, and prevent a front runner like the Chiefs from adding the defensive lineman who ranks third in active sacks.
Once released, Campbell would have to pass through waivers, and the Vikings are pretty low on the waiver list. However, if all three teams put in a claim, they would get the nod over the Chiefs and Lions. If nobody is placing a claim, the defender can choose his next destination.
Minnesota’s defensive line includes numerous solid players but might lack a splashy playmaker.
The Vikings employ Harrison Phillips in the middle of the line as the top inside defender. His is supported by a rotation of Jerry Tillery, Jonathan Bullard, and Jalen Redmond.
Campbell’s 83.0 PFF grade through 15 games ranks him sixth among interior linemen. He’s at the top of the list in run defense and among the 20 best pass rushers. All of that is in addition to being one of the most respected players in the league and someone who would immediately join the leaders in the locker room.
The defender is the NFL’s 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner for his work off the field, a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro, and a one-time first-team All-Pro for his work on the field.
A road loss on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns ‒ likely without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa would eliminate Campbell’s Dolphins from the postseason race and open the door for other teams to hire his services.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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