Courted by Aaron Rodgers, Six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell Was Close to Joining Jets
Calais Campbell admitted to what could have been.
Speaking with Josina Anderson on "The Crew" podcast, the veteran defensive lineman addressed the New York Jets' involvement in his recently-completed free-agent process.
Campbell, who has 15 professional seasons under his belt, was reportedly slated to make an official visit to Florham Park, he but opted to ink a deal with Atlanta prior to the scheduled meeting last month.
"The Jets made almost an equal offer as the Falcons," said Campbell, who spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
According to the 36-year old Campbell, current Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers attempted to recruit the six-time Pro Bowl lineman to New York.
"It was kind of crazy because Aaron Rodgers texted me. He’s like, ‘Yo, come on man, let’s go win a championship together,' and it was appealing to have Aaron Rodgers text you," recounted Campbell.
The thought of winning a Super Bowl with Rodgers, however, wasn't enough to lure Campbell to the Big Apple.
"When it came down to it, I just had this gut feeling that Atlanta was a special place and, you know, the value I could bring would be most effective there," said the former Miami Hurricane, who was a Round 2 pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008.
When Anderson asked a follow-up question, Campbell continued to sound comfortable with his ultimate decision.
"A big part of it was, you know, in the Jets' system where I would've played, and the value I can bring, wasn't as appealing as to Atlanta's system. I feel like they're gonna allow me to be on the field and affect change," said Campbell.
Campbell, however, acknowledged an attraction to Gang Green during the decision-making process.
"The Jets definitely, it was very appealing. It was a tough decision," said Campbell. "Honestly, I was committing to the Jets, and I remember talking to my agent, and I was like 'Hold on, it don't really feel right.'"
Choosing Desmond Ridder over Aaron Rodgers may be the biggest headscratcher of the 2023 free agency period, but Campbell has certainly earned the right to make his own decisions.
"I've always been a fan of his [Rodgers]," said Campbell who has known the four-time NFL MVP quarterback through their mutual participation in an off-season training program.
Despite Campbell's experience and decorated resume that includes 99.0 career sacks, the Jets are arguably better off having the available cap space that he would've occupied. The Falcons signed Campbell to a one-year, fully-guaranteed contract reportedly worth $7 million.
After Campbell came off the market, Gang Green agreed to a contract with eighth-year pro Quinton Jefferson. The Jets secured Jefferson's services for $3.6 million ($2.75 million guaranteed) in 2023.
The 6-foot-4 Jefferson has played 50 out of a possible 50 games the last three regular seasons.
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