Rumors are swirling that All-Pro veteran DT Calais Campbell is visiting with the Detroit Lions this week. Although there are no credible reports to back it up, many fans are wondering what adding a guy like Campbell can do for this Lions defense.

It would made a lot of sense, actually.

Campbell, who will turn 37 in September, was just released from the Baltimore Ravens and has showed no signs of retirement. He had a solid 2022 season, playing 14 games, totaling 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Campbell will eventually sign with a team, and there are a few things he will be looking for. He will want to play for a team that is ready to win…. Lions… Check. Obviously the team he signs with has a need at defensive tackle…. Lions… Check. Additionally, Campbell would make a great fit with a team that has an established culture and stable coaching…. Lions… Double Check.

All the Lions would have to do is sign Campbell to a likely one-year deal at the veteran minimum of $1.165 million with maybe additional incentives. It is a move the Lions can absolutely make.

It would cost the Lions less to sign Campbell than it would to trade for a guy like Jeffrey Simmons or Ed Oliver. The latter two are obviously much younger and are arguably better players at this moment, but the Lions will have to decide whether they want to give up the capital for them.

And of course, the Lions could always decide to draft a DT with one of their two first-round selections. Georgia’s Jalen Carter and Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey make the most sense. Having them on a rookie deal is just as enticing.

If I were to guess, I would expect the Lions to just draft a DT early and plug their hole that way. Detroit is building through the draft and do not seem keen on stacking up on older veterans. It is the same reason why I did not think it was likely for them to land LB Bobby Wagner. I also do not expect them to be in on WR DeAndre Hopkins as well despite a cheap price tag. We shall see.

Adding Calais Campbell would sure be fun and would excel the fans’ excitement to another level. However, these are merely rumors. Holmes and Campbell have been doing everything the right way, so people have to trust their judgement whether this materializes or not.

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