Calais Campbell makes a lot of sense for the Jets
Edition #604
Good morning!
Happy easter weekend, I’m not a religious man but I am a fan of football on a Friday. I’ll be heading off to Carrow Road today to see Norwich continue their quest for a playoff place. Having witnessed the Rangers clinch a playoff spot, the Knicks about to clinch a playoff spot and Norwich in the hunt, we really need to see some playoff football for these Jets in 2024. Coach Saleh may be reluctant to say another playoff-less season is a failure, but I’ll say it for him. If the Jets miss the playoffs again in 2024 it’s an absolute disaster.
Happy opening day to all you Mets fans. Don’t forget to head over to Mets Fix for all your Mets needs. I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and it’s worth every single penny and then some. JB does an outstanding job every day, ensuring you never miss a beat when it comes to the Mets. LGM!
As mentioned yesterday, the Jets were in Washington to work out Troy Fautana, and apparently they worked him out alongside the Raiders and Steelers for 30 minutes.
According to Tony Pauline, the Jets are showing considerable interest in Northern Iowa Defensive Tackle Khristian Boyd.
PFF released their post free-agency team needs and interestingly decided to drop offensive tackle from the team needs. Instead they listed WR, TE and S.
I would have enjoyed watching Jadeveon Clowney play football, I’ve been a fan ever since that hit against Michigan while playing for South Carolina. The Jets were heavily involved in those negotiations but Carolina offered two things the Jets didn’t. A two-year deal worth up to $24 million and a chance to play close to home.
I wish Clowney the best of luck with the Panthers, but if you’re the Jets you need to move on pretty quickly.
My first thought was Calais Campbell. The veteran edge was pursued by the Jets last off-season and Campbell even confirmed that the Jets made an offer that was similar to the one made by Atlanta, where he eventually signed.
He was set to make an official visit to Florham Park, but he never got there, signing the day before he was scheduled to visit.
He was heavily recruited by Aaron Rodgers but a gut feeling made him move to Atlanta. The Falcons finished 7-10, the same record as the Jets.
"It was kind of crazy because Aaron Rodgers texted me. He’s like, ‘Yo, come on man, let’s go win a championship together,' and it was appealing to have Aaron Rodgers text you," recounted Campbell.
"When it came down to it, I just had this gut feeling that Atlanta was a special place and, you know, the value I could bring would be most effective there,"
Two weeks into free agency and the veteran is still available. He’s also coming off a fine season where he showed he still has plenty left in the tank.
Last year he recorded 56 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was given a 80.2 run defence grade and enjoyed a healthy season appearing in all 17 games, playing over 700 snaps.
He is set to turn 38 this season, but the Jets need a veteran rotational piece to add to the likes of John Franklin-Meyers, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald. Campbell’s ability against the run instantly makes him an appealing addition. His veteran presence is also a positive considering the Jets have three very young defensive ends in JJ, WMD and Micheal Clemons.
Last year he signed a one year $7 million deal that had the potential to be worth up to $9 million, and considering his age you expect he’ll be happy to sign another one year deal. Remember, we didn’t get Clowney in part because we didn’t want to commit to a multi-year deal, which shouldn’t be required here.
The Falcons are reportedly interested in bringing him back and considering he turned us down for Atlanta last season, you’d imagine he’d be interested in returning especially now the Falcons have improved their offence with the signings of Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney. Campbell wants to win a ring, and he may believe the pieces are now in place, although I’m not sure I’d have Atlanta in my top-10 favourites for the SB next season with or without Campbell.
Campbell is 6’8, the man has some length as well as veteran leadership, but Atlanta needs Defensive Line help badly, I can’t see the Falcons letting him go. Jets maybe looking for an Edge more like Bryce ? I’m in at seven million.
Do you think TE is a weakness ? Like the Potential of Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah, and even Kuntz, could be addressed in the sixth or seventh but not before. Bowers at 10 ? Not a true TE, but not a fan.
While I think Campbell would be a perfect signing for the Jets.
Atlanta made two significant changes since last season.
They signed Cousins to replace a totally under performing, inexperienced Desmond Ridder at quarterback. Actually found a trading partner to take him plus got Rondale Moore out of the deal.
Too bad JD couldn’t pull off that one.
They also fired their totally inept HC. If you follow fantasy football you will understand why I say that.
Maybe It’s just me, but I just think that the Jets sometimes lose out on certain free agents because of this organizations constant disfunction.
Smarter veteran players who feel they are financially secure avoid the Johnson Circus.
There is an old saying “ if there is smoke, there is fire. This latest RUMOR about a Johnson Saleh argument might have some truth to it. Woody Johnson rarely talks to the press but when he does, people either look skyward or hold their foreheads. He has been known to say the dumbest things at the exact worse time.
I think that Campbell coming to the Jets, is totally dependent on whether the new coaching staff wants him or not.
Happy Easter to all.