The Baltimore Ravens have a plethora of talent on their defensive line unit that includes Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe and Brandon Williams. However, with each of those players all over the age of 30, it can be argued that some have started to slow down, whether that be due to injuries or other factors.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report made a list of each NFL team’s most overpaid player by his standards, and identified Campbell as his choice for Baltimore. As to why he chose the veteran defensive lineman, Knox pointed to the success that Campbell has had during his career, but said that his current production doesn’t justify his cap number.
“Campbell is still a productive contributor—he was a Pro Bowler in 2020—but he is no longer an elite defensive end. His last double-digit-sack season came in 2018, and he was far less effective off the edge this past season.”
Knox even questioned if Campbell’s Pro Bowl selection in 2020 was because of his name and not his play on the field.
“In 2020, Campbell had only four sacks and 13 quarterback pressures. That level of production doesn’t justify a $12.5 million annual salary. It’s fair to wonder if his Pro Bowl nod was largely based on name recognition.”
Campbell certainly earned his appearance as an AFC Pro Bowler in 2020. To discount the impact that Campbell had on the field for the Ravens discounts the player that he still is today. However, didn’t play for a big part of the season while dealing with injuries as well as a bout with the Coronavirus. When he was on the field, his value went beyond the box score, as he took up blockers, caused disruption and helped out all over the field as well as in the locker room.
With Campbell being paid a fully guaranteed $13 million dollars in 2021, it’s at least fair to argue that he’s overpaid. However, the leadership and on-field production that he brings to the table for Baltimore are extremely valuable, and there’s no doubt that if fully healthy, he will be a key part of what the Ravens do on defense during this upcoming season.
