Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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Calais Campbell, a 40-year-old defensive tackle who spent the majority of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, is a free agent this offseason. Despite his age, Campbell is still playing at a high level and could be a valuable addition to a team like the Los Angeles Rams, who need help generating consistent pressure on the interior of their defensive line.
Why it matters
The Rams were able to generate a lot of pressure from the inside in 2025, but struggled to finish plays and get sacks. Campbell’s veteran leadership and continued high level of play could be the missing piece to take the Rams’ defense to the next level and help them make a deep playoff run.
The details
Campbell, the only active player remaining from the Cardinals’ 2008 NFC Championship team, started all 17 games for Arizona last season and recorded 6.5 sacks. Despite his age, he has played a full season for three straight years and has played double-digit games in every season of his 13-year career. While he may only play limited snaps, his impact on the locker room and ability to still play at a high level could make him a valuable addition for a team like the Rams who are chasing a Super Bowl.
Campbell turns 40 in December 2026.Campbell played his 13,000th career snap last season.Campbell has posted a PFF season grade above 72.0 for 14 straight seasons.
The players
Calais Campbell
A 40-year-old defensive tackle who is a free agent this offseason after spending the majority of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. He is a likely future Hall of Famer who is still playing at a high level and is in search of his first Super Bowl ring.
Jared Verse
A Rams linebacker who admitted the team was too naive to beat Seattle in the NFC Championship game, highlighting the need for veteran leadership on the team.
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What they’re saying
“The ageless wonder is in search of his sixth NFL team, and if he finds a suitor, he’ll enter the 2026 regular season as the only 40-year-old on the defensive side of the ball.”
— Daire Carragher, PFF Analyst (si.com)
“Whoever signs Campbell won’t be doing so out of sympathy for a likely future Hall of Famer; they’ll be acquiring a genuine asset on the defensive line still capable of offering 30-plus snaps per game.”
— Daire Carragher, PFF Analyst (si.com)
What’s next
The Rams will need to determine if Campbell is interested in joining the team and if they can fit him under the salary cap. If he is signed, it will be interesting to see how the Rams utilize the veteran defensive tackle and how his leadership impacts the team.
The takeaway
At 40 years old, Calais Campbell is still playing at a high level and could be the missing piece for the Los Angeles Rams’ defense. His veteran presence and ability to generate pressure from the interior could help take the Rams’ defense to new heights and give them the boost they need to make a deep playoff run.