Defensive lineman Calais Campbell was a staple on the Arizona Cardinals defensive line for nine seasons. However, in 2017, he left Arizona and signed a four-year, $60-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent.

This offseason could potentially bring him back to Arizona.

Campbell has certainly earned his money, having racked up 25 sacks over the past two seasons with the Jaguars. During his tenure in Arizona, he recorded 56.5 sacks.

February 19 is the deadline for the Jaguars to exercise an option on the defensive lineman’s contract. A $3 million payment is required to pick up Campbell’s 2019 and 2020 contract years, with $12 million and $15 million as his base salaries.

As of now, they do not have the salary cap space to do that. Spotrac lists the Jaguars as being $6.3 million over the projected 2019 cap and Over The Cap has them at $4.4 million over the limit, which means Campbell, who will be 33 when the 2019 season begins, could be released and become a free agent in the coming weeks.

Releasing Campbell before the 19th would provide the Jaguars with cap relief of $11.5 million and carry a dead money cap hit of $3 million.

Given his performance over the past few years, Campbell will certainly have multiple suitors. But with around $40 million in available cap space (before CB Robert Alford’s signing), Arizona could be in the mix as well.

Campbell was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 draft and was part of Arizona’s Super Bowl team as a rookie.

The Cardinals currently are in great need of help along the defensive interior. Rodney Gunter is set to become an unrestricted free agent and Olson Pierre could be a restricted free agent. Former 2016 first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche has been inconsistent and unreliable and will miss much of the 2019 season as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Re-signing Campbell shores up the defensive front, provides veteran leadership and brings back a fan favorite.

If the Cardinals can make the money part work, the Birdgang could see a return of its original members.

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