Last year, the Baltimore Ravens tried and failed to pull off a midseason reunion with Calais Campbell. Miami wouldn’t play ball, and Baltimore never got its shot. But that might be changing.
According to multiple reports, the soon-to-be 39-year-old defensive lineman is weighing his options—retirement included—and the Ravens are firmly in the mix. Baltimore isn’t the only team interested (the Miami Dolphins still want him back), but unlike last time, there’s no trade needed. If Campbell wants to return, he can. And suddenly, that looks like a very real possibility.
It’s also a perfect fit, especially after Michael Pierce announced his retirement. The Ravens need a veteran presence up front. Campbell would bring that—and then some.
Calais Campbell could return to Baltimore
The Ravens didn’t move on from Campbell in 2023 because of performance. It was a cap casualty, plain and simple. Now, he’s coming off two straight seasons of playing all 17 games, with 11.5 sacks combined in that span, including five last year. Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-10 interior defender in 2024. He’s still got it.
Baltimore has Nnamdi Madubuike. They’ve got Travis Jones. But losing Pierce leaves a leadership void. And while the draft could help, there’s no substitute for someone who’s already done it in your building. Campbell knows this system. He’s led this locker room. That matters.
And let’s be honest—John Harbaugh made it pretty clear what he wants:
“We have to make sure we have a good solid defensive line,” Harbaugh said at the league meetings. “There’s also some options. We can bring some guys back.”
You don’t say.
Campbell would bring exactly what the Ravens value most: stability up front, leadership in the locker room, and a track record of real production. He continues to be one of the most efficient interior defenders in the league.
With Pierce retired and Brent Urban still unsigned, Baltimore has a noticeable gap in veteran depth on the defensive line. Campbell wouldn’t need to carry the load, but he’d give the Ravens a reliable presence on early downs and obvious run situations—and someone who won’t need time to get up to speed.
The Ravens wanted him back at the trade deadline last season, but the Dolphins blocked the deal. Now, with mutual interest and a clear roster need, the move is sitting right there.
If Campbell wants one final run at a ring, there’s no better place to make it than Baltimore.
