- This offseason, the Detroit Lions have already added two new defensive lineman to their roster. However, Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions isn’t against the Lions continuing to chase veteran Calais Campbell.
Booher named Campbell one of seven defensive free agents the Lions could still target prior to the start of training camp. As he can play on the outside and establish the edge or assist in stopping the run on the inside,
Campbell provides versatility on the defensive line, according to Booher. As this would be Campbell’s 17th season, he might not be at his best.
But he might also be a helpful mentor for young athletes like Mekhi Wingo and Brendan Martin. Booher added that Campbell was a target for the Lions’ offseason signing.
But he signed a one-year contract to play with the Atlanta Falcons. Campbell recorded 56 total tackles in Atlanta, including 10 tackles for loss. In 17 games, he also recorded 6.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 1 pass defense, and 1 forced fumble.
Campbell was among the NFL’s top defensive linemen from 2014 to 20. He was a member of the All-Pro team three times and the Pro Bowl six times in that seven-year span.
In addition to being nominated for the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro, he placed second in the Defensive Player of the Year competition in 2017.
Campbell has accumulated 105.5 sacks, 175 tackles for loss, 254 quarterback hits, and 17 forced fumbles in 244 NFL games.
Over his 16-year NFL career, Campbell has earned $141.67 million.
How Calais Campbell Could Fit With the Lions
Shortly before the start of the regular season, Campbell will turn 38. However, it’s possible that he still has some energy left, which would make him a valuable addition to the Lions defensive line.
Booher felt that Campbell might serve as a mentor and a versatile defensive lineman for Detroit. “The veteran has a solid reputation as a former captain and is highly respected throughout the league,” Booher stated. “He could be helpful for Detroit both on and off the field if he has some production left in him.”
