A tumultuous offseason continues in the Charm City as the Baltimore Ravens cut stalwart defensive lineman and team captain Calais Campbell Tuesday, according to the team.
Campbell spent the last three seasons with the Ravens after a lengthy career with the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, Campbell recorded 36 tackles, 14 quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks and four tackles for a loss. The 15th-year veteran signed a two-year deal last April after briefly contemplating retirement.
Campbell won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, made six Pro Bowls, and also served as a captain in Arizona and Jacksonville.
“Calais defines what it means to be a Raven. He personifies professionalism, and his contributions to our organization — both on and off the field — are immense,” Ravens Executive Vice President and GM Eric DeCosta said in a statement announcing the release of Campbell. “With his passion, leadership and toughness, Calais has undoubtedly produced a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
“While this is the worst part of the business, we have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning to our team in the future.”
Campbell was due a $4.5 million base salary in 2023, along with a $2 million roster bonus and other bonuses totaling $500k.
The surprising release of Campbell continues a strange, turbulent offseason for the Ravens. They have been mired in a contract dispute with quarterback Lamar Jackson, the strength and conditioning coach came under fire from former players, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman called out DeCosta on Twitter for his comments at the NFL Scouting Combine.
And now the release of a franchise stalwart.
