Talk Was Cheap For Calais Campbell
March 15th, 2017
Giant DE/DT Calais Campbell, a fairy tale free agent for many Bucs fans.
So what was it going to take for the Bucs to sign manbeast free agent defensive tackle/defensive end Calais Campbell, who eventually won $15 million per season from Jacksonville?
One thing that wouldn’t have been part of the equation is a chat with Dirk Koetter or Mike Smith.
In one of the more interesting NFL nuggets Joe has read in a long time, Campbell explained to TheMMQB.com that he didn’t talk to Jaguars chief Tom Coughlin or new Jags head coach Doug Marrone before signing his new deal.
Campbell, a true NFL good guy and one of its most charitable players, had no interest.
CAMPBELL: I actually didn’t talk to [Coughlin] until after I already signed. But I didn’t need to have a conversation with him because his résumé speaks for itself. It’s automatic. He’s a future Hall of Famer, so no conversation was needed. I did tell my agent to ask how they were going to use me. I know they’re an attack defense and I like that a lot. Being able to play one gap and own it and make a play. … … After I signed I talked to everybody. But before I signed I didn’t talk to anybody. I had talked to guys who played for them. I feel like that’s the way to do it. …
Great stuff there from Campbell. Why talk to the guys you might work for when you can get the hard truth from others? Interesting approach.
The reason Joe clicked on this story was to see if there was any mention that the Bucs chased Campbell in free agency, which was widely reported by some big-name NFL insiders.
Nope, no mention of the Bucs.
March 15th, 2017 at 10:29 am
I don’t think we chased him, because Jason Licht had no intention of signing him.
No GM in football is closer to the Arizona Cardinals then Licht, and him and their general manager are very very good friends.
I have to believe Jason Licht was privy to some inside Intel about Campbell, and that is why he is not in Tampa.
March 15th, 2017 at 10:30 am
Licht got it right man. Compare Calais and Swaggy last two season’s. You’ll see.
March 15th, 2017 at 10:39 am
Chris, consider your point and aply CCs logic.
I would bet we didnt even both after answering the call from his agent…
No problem, if he dont want to talk to us we wont talk to him. Best move of FA season. Only want the guys who want to be a part of the team. Not get paid to be a part. OF COURSE YOU GET PAID IF YOU WANT TO BE HERE FIRST.
Im calling him a bust in Jax and another point and case why teams like Jax and Cleveland struggle…
March 15th, 2017 at 10:44 am
I didn’t se it as a diss on the Bucs, but we didn’t fit into the narrative of the story, which was Campbell’s signing in Jax. It only mentioned Denver because he’s from there.
March 15th, 2017 at 11:20 am
That explanation makes no sense. They have a new coaching staff and new front office… they offered the most money and that’s what he wanted. It’s as simple as that.
March 15th, 2017 at 11:54 am
Mort you stole my thunder. That is really quite pathetic in my opinion. Dude was only worried about the money. He is going to a perennnail loser with a QB that is basically on the hot seat so there is no end in sight to the losing. What kind of a person has zero interest in meeting with the management and decision makers within an organization when deciding to switch jobs. That tells volumes about the person and what his intentions are IMO. I am even going to speculate that may be a reason that Jason, with his inside knowledge, didn’t pursue him.
March 15th, 2017 at 3:23 pm
I feel you only pay a guy that kind of money in FA if he’s the missing link.
The Jags have many links to go. This guy might never sniff the playoffs again, but he’s gettin’ paid.
Good for him…………..I guess.
Our DL is going to be wearing RINGS!
March 15th, 2017 at 3:35 pm
The Bucs are paying Baker roughly the same amount for 3 years of service that Calais Campbell is making in 2017 alone. Campbell is better but he ain’t 3 times better – no where close. Baker was a solid signing and a good value. Signing 31 year old Campbell to $15M per year when we are already paying GMC big $ would not have been a good decision in retrospect. Way to play it Jason Licht.
March 15th, 2017 at 3:57 pm
The Bucs targeted Baker. They probably never were in discussion for Campbell. I think they got more bang for the buck this way.
March 15th, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Jax seems to have unlimited funds for free agents. 🙂 It will eventually come back to Bortles…who piles up stats when the game is out of reach typically. With this defense…they should consider starting Chad Henne and may turn to him when Bortles folds…
March 15th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
How do you pay a man $15 mil a season without even taking to him personally??
March 15th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Talking*
March 15th, 2017 at 7:53 pm
No thanks for 15 million !
March 15th, 2017 at 10:26 pm
CarolinaBucFan Says:
March 15th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
How do you pay a man $15 mil a season without even taking to him personally??
Because it worked so well for the Texans and The Ostrich? 😉 It’s a great point CBF…he’ll probably be good for them…but boy do they have a ton of loot tied up @ DT now.
March 16th, 2017 at 5:30 am
Maybe the AC/ DC loving GM is a turnoff to players since AC/DC isn’t listened to by many players in today’s league.