Ravens DL veteran Calais Campbell, a pending free agent, plans to play another season – Orange County Register

Ravens defensive midfielder Calais Campbell probably won’t be returning to Baltimore for his 15th season, but he’ll be back somewhere.

Campbell, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, announced at the end of Sky Sports’ Super Bowl 56 telecast on Sunday night that he is “certainly not retiring” during the season. this award.

“I watch this game and the feeling I have right now after watching them celebrate the Super Bowl, I have the desire to go out there and play and compete,” Campbell said from the Stadium. SoFi in Inglewood, California, where he defended the Rams’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He added: “I’ll be back.”

Campbell, who turns 36 in September, was the highest-rated player in a disappointing Ravens defense last season, ranking as the NFL’s eighth-best defensive back, according to Pro Football Focus. In 15 games, he finished with 1 ½ hits and 5 losses, his lowest total since his rookie season. He’s also one of the NFL guys Most double defense and helped anchor one of the league’s toughest defenses.

Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said earlier this month that the government office projected 2022 to be a transition year for the defense, with 32-year-old Brandon Williams, 31-year-old Justin Ellis and Campbell all free. But he does expect the Ravens to continue discussions with Campbell this season.

“I really admire Calais as a leader, as a player,” DeCosta said in his season-ending press conference. “He still plays at a high level and has a great attitude. He’s great for young people. I’m also excited about some of the other boys we have, who we think will take the next step. ”

Campbell told The Baltimore Sun ahead of the 2021 season that his Super Bowl title pursuit is “The main reason why I still play.” Wherever he plays next season, he joked that the NFL’s wave of talented young quarterbacks won’t be easy.

“It’s open to Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow – everyone,” he said Sunday. “There’s talent everywhere, man, and I can’t wait to be a part of this. I like to play soccer. But the future is in good hands. It will be competitive. It will be fun to watch. It’s a pleasure to be a part of. I really hope to get a ring one day. … Hopefully, when all is said and done, I will have a piece of jewelry that says I am a world champion. ”