Seahawks should trade for star defensive end Calais Campbell

The Seahawks struck out in 2017 when they tried to persuade Calais Campbell to leave more money on the table to join Seattle. Is it possible they finally land him this off-season with the Jaguars in fire sale mode?

The Seahawks are set to have all 4 of its starters hit free agency this year on the defensive line. With Seattle reportedly not willing to break the $20 million threshold, it may be difficult to keep/acquire players such as Jadeveon Clowney and Yannick Ngakoue. The next logical move would be to search the trade market for solid pieces that could be had for a decent price.

Calais Campbell is my dream scenario when it comes to defensive line additions. Sure, he is 33 years old and entering a contract year. However, he has shown no signs of slowing down and is one of the most complete defensive lineman in the NFL. He was voted again to the Pro-Bowl this year, his 5th time in the last 6 seasons. He was also the 4th highest rated defensive end the NFL last year with an elite rating of 90.3 rating, per PFF.

While in Jacksonville, Campbell has averaged 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss per season. During this 3 year stretch, his pressure rate has been 11% or higher (13.3% this past season). This statistic shows how often the defensive player beats his offensive line counterpart, to create pressure on the quarterback. To put this number into context, this past season his pressure rate was in the top 25 in the NFL. Amongst Seahawks players, this would have ranked 1st on the team.

Another reason he would be a great addition, he is one of the best run defending defensive lineman in the NFL. He has ranked in the top 20 for tackles for a loss in each of the past 3 seasons. In 2018, he actually ranked 1st in the NFL for tackles for a loss with 16. These are important stats, Seattle values run protection just as much as rushing the passer. If Seattle were to make a trade for a player, that player would need to be able to defend against both the run and the pass. Calais Campbell can clearly do both.

This all being said, I’m not the only fan. Seahawks GM, John Schneider has been trying to find the next Campbell for the past few seasons. When Seattle drafted Malik McDowell, the press asked what player he most resembled. Schneider responded, “similar to what Calais Campbell looked like.” When Seattle drafted L.J. Collier a similar question was asked, and Schneider responded “It’s a hard spot to find. The Calais Campbell’s of the world are hard to find.” It’s clear the Seahawks have long valued Campbell and his services. This could finally be the year they finally bring him to the Pacific Northwest.

There is only one hindrance to the process. He is scheduled to have a $15 million cap hit after the trade. I believe the simplest and correct decision, would be to offer him a 2-year extension to lower his cap hit this season. This would also ensure that the trade has some long-term value. An extension in the ballpark of a 2-year, $28 million deal should suffice. With this deal, Seattle could lower his cap hit in 2020 from $15 million to something around $7-$10 million.

My proposed trade:

This gets Seattle a player who is still a dominant defensive presence. It also shows Russell Wilson you are listening, by bringing in the star power he boldly requested after the season ended. The extension would keep Calais Campbell in the Pacific Northwest through the 2022 season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will acquire another early-round pick, plus a late-round pick in the following draft. This would give Jacksonville 7 picks in the first 4 rounds. They should be well on their way after this trade to a successful rebuild.