Calais Campbell has officially resigned with the Baltimore Ravens, and he broke down his major reasons for a return to the organization.
Calais Campbell knows the Baltimore Ravens very well, as he played for the team between the 2020 and 2022 seasons. Unfortunately, a business decision was made that led to him being cut in 2023, which he doesn't harbor any ill feelings about.
That said, Campbell returned to the organization and broke down the major reasons for his return. He admitted that multiple teams were interested, but the team made him "feel wanted," among many other positive reasons.
Campbell joined "The Lounge" Ravens podcast, where he broke down how he felt "wanted" due to the salary he earned.
"My little salary is not crazy, but it still makes me feel wanted. I feel appreciated. I'm like, okay, they want me here. They're willing to spend top dolla-sih, you know, to bring me here, and so I appreciate that. It means a lot to me," Campbell said.
Campbell also indicated that he kept in touch with Eric DeCosta who was "very professional" on having to cut him back in 2023, which was due to being able to afford the franchise tag for Lamar Jackson. The defensive lineman understands the business aspect of that and did not hold it against the team.
Campbell also confirmed that DeCosta attempted to trade for him back in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, but that did not come to pass. When the Arizona Cardinals offered him a larger deal in 2025, DeCosta also recommended that he go with that as well.
Finally, in this 2026 offseason, DeCosta called Campbell again to indicate that he wanted the defender back, which could explain the deal he received. Despite other teams being interested, the consummate pro also indicated he likes what he sees on the team and believes they give him a big chance to win games in what could be the tail end of his career.
"And so for me, like, you know, all right, where can I go where I can make plays and win games? And Baltimore made the most sense when it came down to that. So, you know, I mean, obviously, you know, the roster, right? The roster's stacked to the roof, you know, um if you know, a couple of the young draft picks hit, I mean, it's going to be, you know, one of the best rosters in football, you know, if not the best roster in football. And if Madubuike comes back and is able to play, you know, then I mean, now you're, you know, I mean," Campbell said.
There is a lot of belief that the Ravens experienced an outlier of a season in 2025, and that the roster is good enough to rebound and challenge for the playoffs. Most sports books have Baltimore at 11.5 wins or around that area, so there is a lot of promise to bank on.
Campbell also sees the strength of the roster, and used that as a major deciding factor to sign. Considering he may not have many years left, his belief that he can help the Ravens contend matters a great deal.
If Nnamdi Madubuike returns, alongside Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young, Campbell could help solidify the defensive line and pass rush in a big way.