With Micah Parsons likely missing the first month of the 2026 NFL season, Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare gone, and Kenny Clark entering his second year out of Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers could use an extra hand in the pass-rushing department. They re-signed Arron Mosby and Brenton Cox Jr., but neither of them is likely to play much, and while signing Javon Hargrave was a step in the right direction, even the best things can get better.
That's why, now that the first three weeks of free agency are in the rearview mirror, the Packers should pick up the phone and give Calais Campbell a call, knowing that they can probably get him at a discount. He played for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Arizona, and could be interested in a reunion in Titletown after the lack of buzz surrounding Campbell in free agency.
Calais Campbell Makes Perfect Sense for the Packers
Campbell will be 40 next season, so he's running out of chances to win a Super Bowl ring. That's why joining the Packers could interest him, especially with potentially destinations running out.
Campbell can rotate with Devonte Wyatt and give this team a strong presence in the interior. He is also a proven headhunter who still has gas in the tank, offering more security than lesser options like Nazir Stackhouse, Jordon Riley, or Jonathan Ford.
Also, with Hargrave arriving in Wisconsin, Green Bay will be much stronger at the interior than it was last season, when it gave up 117.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 18th in the league.
According to Spotrac, Campbell's next contract is projected at one year and $10.9 million. The Packers are sitting on $22 million in cap space, per OverTheCap, so they can get it done. That said, they can also probably lower his asking price, given that there have been little to no rumblings about him joining any other team.
Make no mistake, that apparent lack of interest might be due to his steep value and age, not due to a lack of production.
Last season with the Cardinals, Campbell played 46% of defensive snaps and still managed 6.5 sacks, 43 total tackles (23 solo), nine tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, and two passes defensed. It's safe to say that Gannon's defense suited him, and he's registered at least five sacks in four consecutive seasons and all but three of his 18 years in the league.
Campbell can still put pressure on the quarterback like the best of them, and that could come in quite handily for a team that's about to meet with Caleb Williams, Kyler Murray, and Jared Goff twice a season. The Packers ranked 26th in sack percentage last season (5.84%, via Team Rankings), and a proven headhunter like him could certainly help drive those numbers up.
The Packers' offense should be fine for the most part, even if they don't add any other pieces. The defense is still a bit of a question mark, and getting someone already familiar with the guy calling the shots can certainly help make the transition smoother.
If Campbell wants to keep playing, the Packers should definitely be interested.