Calais Campbell, Denver Broncos
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Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates following a game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Denver Broncos must replace a key starter from one of the NFL’s best defenses, and the top pass rush, in John Franklin-Myers, and fellow veteran Calais Campbell could be a fitting solution.
Campbell is older than Franklin-Myers. He also has a very different playing style and is at a different stage of his career.
Still, there are both practical and sentimental reasons for the Broncos to eye Campbell.
Calais Campbell Floated Amid Broncos’ ‘Plan’
Calais Campbell #93 a potential Dallas Cowboys target.
GettyCalais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts against the Carolina Panthers.
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel noted the Broncos’ “plan” for life after Franklin-Myers, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, is “clear,” while mentioning Campbell as a fitting potential addition.
Veteran Malcolm Roach will combine with Eyioma Uwazurike and 2025 third-round selection Sai’vion Jones. Gabriel also says a prospect in the draft “can’t be ruled out.”
Campbell can still fill a vital role on the field and in the locker room.
“Bottom line: There’s not an overwhelming need,” Gabriel wrote on March 21. “This is a spot, though, where, if the Broncos and a veteran saw eye to eye on a role and an opportunity to play for a contender, there are still good players out there on the market.
“Calais Campbell is still playing well and, of course, is a Denver native. He’ll turn 40 in September, but what a story it would be if season No. 19 were a title pursuit in his hometown.”
The Broncos would be Campbell’s sixth NFL team.
He entered the league as a second-round pick, taken 50th overall in 2008 by the Arizona Cardinals, and has had stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins.
Calais Campbell Remains a ‘Handful’ for Opposing OL
Calais Campbell, Cardinals
GettyCalais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on against the Green Bay Packers.
Campbell had 6.5 sacks to go with 43 total tackles while starting all 17 games for the Cardinals in 2025. The 6-foot-8, 315-pound lineman also contributed on special teams. However, Campbell logged a career-low 46% snap share, per Pro Football Reference.
“He is still a handful to deal with at his size, but his age is showing up to a degree,” The Athletic’s Daniel Popper wrote of Campbell in February. “He is not very explosive. He wins as a run defender and pass rusher with strength, power and quick hands. He is a rotational piece at this stage of “his career.”
Popper ranked Campbell as the 128th overall free agent and 10th among interior defensive linemen, a group that Franklin-Myers led.
Campbell is coming off a one-year, $5.5 million contract with $151.9 million in career earnings.
Popper projected a one-year, $4 million contract for Campbell. Spotrac projected the six-time Pro Bowler and 2017 First Team All-Pro’s market value at a one-year, $10.9 million pact, which would be a significant gap to close in negotiations.
Broncos Have Other Options
Malcolm Roach, Denver Broncos
GettyMalcolm Roach #97 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Campbell is hardly the only outside veteran addition available for the Broncos, even at this late stage of free agency. Gabriel offered a trio of options, including New Orleans Saints free agent Cameron Jordan.
Similar to Campbell, Jordan has Broncos ties, and they are not the only ones on Gabriel’s list who do.
“Jordan has a deep history with Sean Payton in New Orleans and can still really rush the passer at 36,” Gabriel wrote. “Broncos fans, of course, know Shelby Harris well. Denico Autry played less — and missed five games — for Houston this year, but has been part of their terrific defense over the past two years and, even at 34, had a 10.9% pressure rate in 2025, according to Next Gen Stats. He’s been at that mark or better in six of his past eight seasons.”
The Broncos have options, be it Campbell, someone else, or their current group.