One of the many reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6 was their inability to consistently apply pressure. Then again, this hasn't been a one-time issue.
Throughout the year, the Jags haven't been able to consistently bring in the heat. That's why the prospect of trading for reinforcements isn't far-fetched, and Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus just came up with an interesting suggestion.
The Jaguars are being urged to trade for Calais Campbell
Bradley Locker linked 20 trade candidates with potential landing spots and believes Jacksonville is a logical destination for Calais Campbell, noting that the veteran defensive end isn't slowing down at 39.
"The Cardinals' promising start has taken a wayward turn for the worst, one that doesn't seem especially salvageable," Locker wrote. "With Campbell at his age and on a one-year deal, shipping him away — particularly to pave the way for playing time for young players — could be logical. Kansas City's 28.8 run-defense grade by interior defenders is the lowest in the NFL, and a reunion in Jacksonville isn't out of the question."
Campbell has logged 11 pressures this season and posted a Pro Football Focus run-grade of 70.0. The Jaguars could use that kind of production at defensive end. While Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen have registered 26 and 17 pressures, respectively, the rest of their pass rush rotation has left a bit to be desired. In particular, Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah haven't done much of note in a rotational role.
Why trading for Calais Cambpell would make sense for the Jaguars?
Under general manager James Gladstone, the Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been afraid to take a swing to address needs. Just before Week 6, they sent Tyson Campbell to the Cleveland Browns in return for Greg Newsome. In the midst of the preseason, they acquired defensive tackle Khalen Saunders Sr. in exchange for center Luke Fortner.
Based on their track record, nobody would bat an eye if the Jags bolstered their pass rush. Calais Campbell makes sense not only because he would be a one-year rental but also because he's an important figure in the team's lore.
A second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, Campbell signed with the Jags in 2017. He was an integral piece of the Sacksonville defense. During his stay in Duval, the player known as "The Mayor" logged 31.5 sacks, made three consecutive Pro Bowls and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection.
Although Campbell is no longer as dominant as he was in his prime, he can still contribute. Trading for him wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. Maybe a fifth-round pick could get a deal done. The Jags have an extra one after trading Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings last year, so they could most definitely be in a position to make a deal.
Of course, Campbell isn't the only pass rusher the Jaguars could acquire before the trade deadline. Trey Hendrickson may also be available, but may command a bigger compensation. The same is true for Bradley Chubb. Both are younger and more productive than Campbell, but likely more expensive.
Ultimately, it would come down to what kind of swing the Jaguars want to take, but the idea of bringing Calais Campbell back shouldn't be ruled out.