Veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell is keeping his focus on the immediate future as the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Despite speculation surrounding his potential departure, Campbell is committed to making the most of the current season.
“I’m cherishing this moment,” Campbell stated after Wednesday’s practice. “I feel like this team is so much better than how we’ve been playing.”
The Dolphins nearly traded Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the trade deadline, but head coach Mike McDaniel intervened, believing that Miami—then at 2-6—still had a chance to turn its season around. “It speaks to what he means to the team, that teams would be willing to do that,” McDaniel said in November. “But yeah, my job is to speak on behalf of what’s the best thing for the 2024 Dolphins.”
As the Dolphins (6-8) face the possibility of elimination from playoff contention, Campbell acknowledged that discussions about a potential release to join a playoff contender could arise. “Weeks back before the trade deadline, there was a small conversation that you really didn’t hope would ever even become a thing,” he said. “It was kind of like just something to talk about. Nothing concrete or anything like that. I don’t know if we’re there just yet, but it’s definitely something you think about.”
Following last week’s loss to the Houston Texans, the Dolphins’ playoff hopes are slim. However, they can still secure a postseason berth by winning their remaining three games and receiving help from other teams. Miami will host San Francisco this weekend before finishing the season against the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa emphasized the need for the team to move past the disappointing loss, in which the offense committed four turnovers. He noted that the locker room remains motivated. “I think what’s so cool is there are so many guys that have played in the league for some time in this locker room,” Tagovailoa said. “They understand the magnitude of ‘if I lay down,’ what that looks like. We all make a living playing this game.”
Campbell, who spent the last two seasons with Baltimore, began his career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he reached the Super Bowl in 2008. He has not returned to the championship game since. When asked if he regretted not joining a contending team earlier this season, Campbell replied, “There’s no wrong decision. You just make a decision and you rock with it. … I came here to the Dolphins with a year-long commitment to compete and try to make the playoffs. That job’s technically not done yet. We still have a shot, so I’m committed.”
This season, Campbell ranks third on the Dolphins with four sacks and has recorded 43 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five passes defended, and one forced fumble. While he has contemplated retirement, he has not ruled out playing another season, potentially with Miami, where he signed a one-year deal in June.
“This locker room, group of guys, coaching staff, I’ve had a great experience,” Campbell said. “I wish we won a few more games this year, but it’s definitely a great place to play football. Finishing the year strong and having a chance to make the playoffs would be sweet. If the time comes and I decide to play football again, this is definitely a place I love playing.”
Notes:
Receiver Grant DuBose was expected to return from Houston on Wednesday after being hospitalized due to a head injury suffered against the Texans. Miami placed DuBose on injured reserve on Tuesday. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist/rest) and Jaylen Waddle (knee), along with offensive tackles Kendall Lamm (back) and Terron Armstead (knee), did not practice on Wednesday. Tagovailoa was listed as limited due to a hip injury.
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