GLENDALE – After finishing the 2026 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals only had one obstacle left, wait for Calais Campbell. The 39-year-old rejoined the franchise after eight years and looked to be doing the retirement tour for his Hall of Fame career. However, Arizona went 3-14 and entering the offseason Campbell wouldn’t confirm whether he was retiring or not, and the Cardinals seemed open to bringing him back.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That wouldn’t happen, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Campbell has signed a one-year deal to return to his former team the Baltimore Ravens. General manager Monti Ossenfort spoke to PHNX Cardinals Bo Brack last week about the front office waiting for Campbell.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) leaves the field following a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Ossenfort on waiting for Campbell:
Last season was surely supposed to be Campbell’s last year, but his production was too good to hang up the old cleats. The 18-year-old pro had 6.5 sacks in 2025 and was second on the team, behind edge Josh Sweat. Campbell is likely chasing J.J. Watt on the most All-Time tackles for loss list. He sits in second place at 196, while Watt is at 202. Campbell only needs six to tie and seven to surpass the future Hall of Famer, which he has achieved in all of his last three seasons.
Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) during the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ironically, he has only recorded less than seven tackles for loss three times since his rookie season, all of which came during his stint with the Baltimore Ravens. From 2020-2022, Campbell recorded 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss during his time in Baltimore. His first year with the Ravens was the last time he was elected to be a Pro Bowler. The return to the franchise after three yeas is in the pursuit of a Super Bowl championship and being in sole possession of the All-Time leader in tackles for loss.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
