The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, leaving Eagles fans scratching their heads and wondering, “Why no moves, Philly?” While the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys made key acquisitions, the Eagles stood pat, leaving many questioning if they missed an opportunity to solidify their lineup. The answer could lie in a player they passed on: veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Despite being 38 years old, Campbell continues to make a difference on the field, showing that age is just a number. A proven performer and leader, Campbell could have provided an invaluable presence both on and off the field for a young Eagles defense led by new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Let’s break down why Campbell was the right move the Eagles didn’t make and what he could have brought to the team.
A Veteran with Proven Production
Calais Campbell isn’t just a household name; he’s a production powerhouse. With 107.5 career sacks over 17 seasons, Campbell’s longevity in the league is remarkable. He may not hit double-digit sacks anymore, but he’s no slouch, putting up 6.5 sacks last season for the Falcons and already netting two sacks this season for the Dolphins. More than just stats, Campbell’s value lies in his ability to play smart and consistently, which would have added a new layer of security to the Eagles’ defensive front.
PFF ranks Campbell as one of the top interior defensive linemen, sitting fifth overall among 201 candidates. Against the run, Campbell shines even more, currently rated fourth in the league. He’s a proven disruptor, the type of player who clogs lanes and creates chaos in the trenches—exactly what Philly needs in their high-powered NFC East battles.
A Mentorship Opportunity for Philly’s Young Defense
The Eagles have a strong lineup of young talent on defense, with players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams. However, with seven defensive starters on rookie-scale contracts, the unit could benefit from some veteran guidance. Campbell, a former Walter Payton Man of the Year, is revered around the league not only for his play but also for his leadership and professionalism. Bringing him in would have been invaluable in helping the younger players develop into cornerstones for a long-term defensive dynasty.
Load Management and Depth
The Eagles’ defensive line is good, but it’s also overworked. Carter, for example, has played nearly 80 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps, which is a heavy load for a young player. Adding Campbell would have alleviated some of that strain, allowing Philly to rotate their defensive line more effectively and keep players fresh for the late-season push. Having a versatile player like Campbell, who could seamlessly switch between positions, would have given Fangio greater flexibility in managing the line.
Edge Rusher Depth: A Question Mark
The Eagles have a lot of firepower on the defensive line, but much of it is unproven at edge. With Brandon Graham playing a reduced role and rookie Nolan Smith yet to fully emerge, the Eagles don’t have a clear star edge rusher to lead the charge. Acquiring Campbell wouldn’t have just boosted the interior but also could have shored up the edge by freeing up Sweat and Graham to focus on high-impact plays.
The Missed Opportunity
While trading for an aging defensive lineman may not seem like a textbook strategy, Campbell isn’t just any veteran. His experience, leadership, and current performance level make him a prime addition, especially for a team with deep postseason aspirations. Passing on him is a decision that could haunt the Eagles if the defense falters against tougher offenses later in the season.
Ultimately, the Eagles are in a good place but could have been even better with a veteran like Calais Campbell in the mix. In a league as competitive as the NFL, the difference between contenders and champions often comes down to wise, timely moves. Here’s hoping Philadelphia has enough in the tank for the grind ahead because they may find themselves looking back at this trade deadline with a tinge of regret.
