Green Bay Packers

Packers could get rare opportunity to sign Pro Bowler before playoffs

Posted on by newssite

They will need the Dolphins to lose first.

It’s rare to make an in-season addition that has a significant impact on your team. The Green Bay Packers achieved this in 2021 when they signed Rasul Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad following an injury to Jaire Alexander.

They could get a chance to add another difference-maker in time for the playoffs. The key word here is could. If the Packers get an opportunity, so will other playoff-bound teams.

Even at 38 years old, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is still playing at a high level. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Campbell has made four sacks and nine quarterback hits for the Miami Dolphins this season while earning PFF’s highest run-defense grade among interior defensive linemen.

Packers fans should pay close attention to the Dolphins, as their potential elimination could open the door for Campbell to become available.

Calais Campbell could be a perfect target for Packers if he gets released by Dolphins

Campbell almost got traded before November’s deadline. With Miami quickly falling out of playoff contention, his status is once again up in the air.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, if the Dolphins get eliminated, waiving Campbell so he can join a contender is “still in play.” Campbell also said it’s a possibility.

Campbell would have to clear waivers, which is both a positive and negative for the Packers.

In theory, any team could put in a waiver claim. Nothing is preventing the Las Vegas Raiders, who currently hold the top priority, from making a claim. However, if Campbell leaves Miami to compete for a Super Bowl, we can assume he wouldn’t play for a team he didn’t want to join. That effectively rules out any eliminated teams.

Playoff-bound teams ahead of the Packers in the waiver priority include the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, Green Bay would have priority over the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs, which is potentially notable.

If Campbell cleared waivers, he would become a free agent. The Packers would have the chance to sign him but would have to overcome potential competition from other contenders.

The Packers’ defensive line has improved since their bye week, especially when rushing the passer. It’s a sign the players have finally adjusted to a different scheme under Jeff Hafley. Green Bay’s run defense has played at a much higher level this season, allowing 105 yards on the ground per game, ranking No. 9 in the NFL. Last season, they ranked 28th after giving up 128.3 rushing yards per contest.

But Campbell could be a game-changing addition. He is still playing at a high level and would add experience and leadership to the Packers’ locker room. Campbell is an outstanding run defender and still offers plenty as an interior pass rusher. Next to Kenny Clark, opponents couldn’t afford to double-team Campbell, giving him opportunities to pressure quarterbacks.

The Dolphins could get eliminated from contention this week, potentially leading to Campbell’s release. The Packers may not have a realistic chance of landing him, but they should do everything possible to make it happen.

Like Douglas in 2021, Campbell would be a game-changer for the Packers ahead of a playoff run.

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