The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a critical issue at edge rusher. With the departures of Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, the team has brought in Boye Mafe, who managed just two sacks last season.
Alongside Mafe, the Bengals are banking on Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart. The duo combined for 6.5 sacks last year, with Murphy contributing 5.5 of those.
If the Bengals are serious about revitalizing their defense-a key factor in their recent playoff struggles-they need to bolster their edge presence. One intriguing option is signing veteran edge rusher Calais Campbell. Despite being nearly 40, Campbell remains a formidable force on the field and a respected leader in the locker room.
Campbell’s track record speaks volumes. He has consistently delivered, recording at least five sacks in each of the past four seasons, including 6.5 sacks in 2025-his best since 2019. His ability to disrupt plays doesn’t end there; Campbell is versatile enough to shift inside and is a proven asset against the run, boasting a solid 69.2 run defense grade according to Pro Football Focus.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Campbell’s leadership and experience could be transformative for Cincinnati's locker room culture. His presence could provide the veteran stability the Bengals need on a low-cost, one-year deal.
While Spotrac estimates Campbell’s market value at $10.9 million, the Bengals, with approximately $19 million in cap space, have the financial flexibility to make this move. Investing in Campbell could be a strategic step toward strengthening their defensive front and breaking their playoff drought.