Calais Campbell Signing with Jacksonville Jaguars
![Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
Jacksonville continues their major spending spree by signing pass rusher Calais Campbell from the Cardinals
Jacksonville took a step back last year despite spending big in free agency and drafting a productive cornerback in the first round. Looking to beef up their defense Jacksonville made two major moves at the dawn of free agency.
After reportedly agreeing to a deal with safety Barry Church, the Jaguars reached a deal with veteran pass rusher Calais Campbell.
Last season Campbell totaled eight sacks for Arizona in a season with lofty expectations that fell flat.
Calais Campbell is expected to sign with the Jaguars per sources
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2017
NFL Mocks staff writer Andrew Kim previewed Campbell heading into free agency and had this to say about the now former Cardinal.
"The 30 year old defensive end could be on his way out after the Cardinals franchise tagged Chandler Jones. A former 2nd round pick out of Miami Florida in the 2008 Draft, Campbell had a good year in 2016 with 8 sacks and 53 total tackles as a 3-4 defensive end. They do have replacements in Rodney Gunter and Robert Nkemdiche if he leaves in free agency and many teams will pursue the productive veteran if it comes into fruition.More from NFL Free AgencyIdeal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backsAFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat upNFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin CookAFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins"
Campbell has experience playing both defensive end and tackle nine-year NFL career, and will most likely play on the end of Jacksonville’s defensive line.
Expect him to be the replacement for free agent Tyson Alulau while Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue split time on the opposite end.
What the signings of Church and Campbell mean for the NFL Draft is yet to be seen. Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is still a hot name and could play alongside Malik Jackson, who signed a major free agent deal last year with the Jaguars.
Church starting at strong safety opens the possibility for Ohio State free safety Malik Hooker with the fourth overall pick.