NFL.com Names Calais Campbell as Bengals Best Remaining Fit in Free Agency

A longtime player in the league.

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — NFL.com's Nick Shook thinks the Bengals should go after veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell as free agency quiets down deeper into Week Two.

The 38-year-old ageless wonder has posted four consecutive seasons with 76-plus PFF grades, including an 82.3 mark in 2024 on 616 snaps. News dropped on Thursday that Cincinnati is bringing guard Lucas Patrick in for a visit.

"The Bengals missed the playoffs last year largely because their defense couldn't stop a nosebleed in the first half of the season," Shook wrote. "During this frustrating period, many Cincinnati fans lamented the loss of D.J. Reader to free agency, blaming it for their struggles on that side of the ball. Campbell completed his Miami homecoming in 2024 but hasn't retired and is still one heck of a player, even with his 39th birthday coming in September. Sure, it gets cold in Cincinnati in the winter, but it'll feel a lot warmer if the Bengals' late-season games are meaningful. And after spending lavishly to keep Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it's high time to turn to the defense. Adding Campbell makes sense even if the team gives Trey Hendrickson a new deal, especially with a playoff return atop their list of expectations for 2025."

It shouldn't break the bank to bring Campbell in for the 2025 season. PFF projects him to land a one-year, $3 million deal. He could also be a nice veteran mentor for players like Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson in that position room.

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