Ravens DL Calais Campbell to return in 2023

While taking part in NFL Network’s pre-game coverage, Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell confirmed that he will continue his career in 2023 (video link). The news sets Campbell up for his 16th season in the NFL, and his fourth in Baltimore. It also puts to rest another offseason’s worth of speculation regarding his playing future.

“I know I’ve got this year in me,” Campbell said this past August when asked about his career plans. “I don’t know if there’s anything left after that, but I’m going to leave it all on the field. Empty the tank. And when it’s all said and done, after this year, I’ll reconvene in the offseason to see where I’m at.”

The 36-year-old contemplated hanging up his cleats prior to signing a two-year deal last spring. As a result of that pact, Campbell is on the books for the 2023 campaign with a salary of $4.5M but a cap hit of just over $9.4M. The Ravens would save $7M in cap space by releasing the six-time Pro Bowler, but his production would be difficult to replace in that event.

Campbell enjoyed a resurgent season in terms of pass rush in 2022. The former All-Pro notched 5.5 sacks, his highest figure during his time in Baltimore to date. He added 36 stops and a pair of forced fumbles while maintaining a starting role on the team’s defensive line. The Ravens’ front primarily consists of recent draftees such as Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington and Travis Jones, but Campbell has remained a key figure amongst that group.

As a result, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic predicts the Ravens will attempt to keep Campbell by re-working his existing contract (Twitter link). Baltimore is in better cap shape than most teams at the moment, but their financial situation will hinge almost entirely on the fate of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The latter’s future remains uncertain, but Campbell’s will entail at least one more NFL campaign.