3 missed opportunities for the Seahawks this offseason
By Geoff Shull
Seahawks missed opportunity number two: Not trading for Calais Campbell
If you are a reader of my articles, you will notice I post a lot of trade articles. I extensively research players’ trade values, contract values and their market availability. I had no doubt Calais Campbell was available via trade. However, I was very surprised that the Jaguars would trade him for mere pennies on the dollar.
Campbell is about as dependable of a defensive lineman as you can get. He has been a Pro-Bowler in 5 of the last 6 seasons, including one All-Pro nod in 2017. Over the last 5 seasons, he has not missed a single game. He has consistently been an elite run stuffer and gotten pressure on the QB.
Years: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Tackles: 61 53 67 72 56
Sacks: 5 8 14.5 10.5 6.5
TFL: 16 12 14 20 10
FF: 0 2 3 1 2
He has been a beacon of consistency and seems to only get better with age. Yet, due to the Jaguars rebuild, they had no need for an aging defensive lineman. His trade value was worth far more than his worth on the field at that point. So, it was natural for the team to shop him around.
Given his production, the thought was he would likely be worth around a 2nd or a 3rd round pick plus some late-round change. He wouldn’t venture into first-round consideration given his age (33) and being on the last year of his contract.
The Seahawks failed to act. The Ravens ended up securing Calais Campbell for just a 5th round draft pick. Campbell was thrilled to be on a contender and signed a very team-friendly extension worth just $12.5 million per year.
Considering his talent and production, this contract is an absolute steal. A couple of other elite defensive lineman signed contracts north of $20 million per year. Chris Jones ($21.25 million per year) and DeForest Buckner ($21 million per year) this off-season.
It’s very disappointing that the team didn’t beat this offer. It’s hard to believe that the Seahawks wouldn’t at least offer a 4th or more to help solve their biggest hole, the defensive line.
Sure, it is very possible that Campbell had no interest in signing for his first NFL team’s rival (he played for the Cardinals). Regardless, looking at our current roster, he would have filled a massive hole. This was truly a missed opportunity and one I wish the team had back. Campbell is a one-man wrecking crew.