Even in the midst of their current two-game slide, the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to be buyers at this year’s NFL trade deadline. Specifically, they're looking for reinforcements on defense. It’s a complete 180 from where this team was in 2024.
Early in October, James Gladstone showed he's willing to address needs via trade, acquiring cornerback Greg Newsome II from the Cleveland Browns in return for Tyson Campbell. That may not be the only move we see the rookie general manager make before November 4. He should set his sights on bolstering the pass rush in light of their struggles to get after the quarterback.
The Jaguars are struggling to generate pressure
Although we have seen the Jags make great strides in numerous defensive areas, they are still struggling to win those battles in the trenches. Losing Travon Walker to a wrist injury for one game earlier in the season hurt this team tremendously in the pass rush. Since his return, though, it’s clear he needs help to dominate at that spot.
For as much praise as Anthony Campanile received in the opening few weeks of the season, his defensive unit has looked extremely vulnerable in the two games before the BYE. Opposing quarterbacks have had lots of time in the pocket, and they’ve made the Jaguars’ secondary pay.
Jacksonville is one of the worst NFL teams at pressuring the quarterback, ranked 27th in QB pressure percentage by ESPN this year. They are dead-last in the league for team sacks with eight, with Arik Armstead leading the way at 3.5.
Josh Hines-Allen is regressing or perhaps feeling the pressure of needing to carry this team in the pass rush. The former first-round draft pick has failed to record a sack and has a mere 27 pressures this season, good for 14th in the NFL.
In his defense, Hines-Allen is drawing plenty of attention from offensive linemen. The fact that he’s not getting a lot of help at that spot is affecting his numbers.
Really good stuff on display by Josh Simmons last night against Hines-Allen. The aggressive, 2-hand jump to mix it up early (rep 1) followed by good positional leverage to settle at his spot inside-out with chip help. Can see the high (outside)/low (inside) hand placement on the… pic.twitter.com/grAnDIZFI9
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 7, 2025
Thus, Hines-Allen and the rest of the defensive unit could use a valuable depth piece, who has gotten to his share of quarterbacks during his lengthy career.
Calais Campbell can still help the Jaguars
Calais Campbell only played three seasons for the Jaguars but left a lasting legacy in his brief time in Duval. The defensive end registered over 30 sacks in three seasons with Jacksonville and was among the key figures defensively during their Sacksonville era.
The six-time Pro Bowler and 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient still holds a club record for the most sacks in a single game (four). He didn’t just have tremendous penetration and QB pursuit during his days with the Jags, but he may have been their best run stopper along the defensive line.
At 39, in his second stint with the Arizona Cardinals, he’s still performing at a high level.
Calais Campbell is still a gamewrecker at 39 years old pic.twitter.com/SVBtUb7h4w
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 26, 2025
As a team, Arizona may only have 12 sacks this season, three of which came courtesy of Campbell. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s on track for a 15th consecutive year with a 71.0-plus overall grade. Campbell has generated 11 pressures this season with a 70.0 PFF grade in the run-defense department.
Acquiring Calais Campbell makes perfect sense for the Jaguars
The Jaguars are miles ahead of where they were in 2024, but they don’t want to waste the opportunity ahead of them. They may be in the thick of the playoff race now, but let’s face it, they’ve been bailed out by timely turnovers and an incredibly consistent run game.
With this team currently on a two-game losing streak, you might argue that some of their lucky breaks are evening out. Regardless, they are in a position to make the playoffs, and Gladstone should address several needs before the November 4 deadline.
Getting more pressure on the defensive side of the ball has to be at the forefront of the Jags’ wishlist. With just over $11 million of cap space per OvertheCap this year, it’s doubtful they’ll go big-game hunting for a high-priced player on the defensive end like Maxx Crosby.
Campbell would be a logical option for Gladstone to get behind, and one that the fans would be 100 percent on board with. Campbell is a beloved figure in Jacksonville, and his contract of just over $5 million is more than affordable.
The Cardinals are dead last in the NFC West at 2-5, and Campbell might want another shot to play for a contending team. It’s too early to say the Jaguars are championship contenders, but they have a chance playoff mix, and that alone makes them an appealing option.
Having a leader like Campbell is exactly what this defense needs to refocus and push for a playoff spot. If nothing else, though, Campbell may be happy finishing his career in Jacksonville, a city that embraced him and one he seemed to enjoy.
Both on and off the field, he’s an ideal addition who could drastically improve this team’s defense.