The Miami Dolphins officially signed veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell on June 18, after NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero first reported the news on June 13.
Of course, with Campbell on the 90-man roster, another player must leave. On June 18, Sun Sentinel beat writer David Furones reported on the corresponding cut.
“The Dolphins have waived WR Mathew Sexton. This appears to be the corresponding step to add Calais Campbell. Shortly thereafter, 33rd Team NFL source Ari Meirov confirmed Sexton’s release.
The 5-foot-10 wide receiver is best renowned for his quickness and return skills. At 26 years old, he has already played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and Dolphins.
In fact, his professional career began in 2020, when he signed with the league as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan.
Despite his years in the NFL system, Sexton has never appeared in a game. In four seasons of collegiate football, he had 100 career receptions for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns, as well as a kick return average of 16.8 yards and one punt return score of 50 yards.
Calais Campbell reunites with Anthony Weaver, the new Dolphins defensive coordinator.
Pelissero informed his followers on June 13 that “new Miami [defensive coordinator] Anthony Weaver coached Calais Campbell for two seasons in Baltimore.” As a result, the Campbell transaction functions as a form of reunion.
“I feel like the main reason I wanted to come here is because I believe in who Anthony Weaver is as a coach and our relationship,” Campbell admitted after the agreement was announced. “We spoke a lot during the process. He knows what I’m capable of. He understands my thinking and how I see the game, and he believes me.”
That is not to argue that the 37-year-old’s record isn’t impressive. Campbell, 6-foot-8, is a former first-team All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, PFWA defensive player of the year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and Alan Page Award recipient.
He also has more than 100 regular-season sacks (105.5) and is expected to be a future Hall of Famer when he retires. Overall, his regular-season stats include 175 tackles for loss, 254 quarterback hits, 58 passes defended, 17 forced fumbles, three interceptions, three safeties, and three defensive touchdowns.
Campbell, on the other hand, has been significantly less impactful in the playoffs, and despite 15 appearances, he has yet to record his first career postseason sack or TFL. He’s hoping to change that in Miami.
“One job, baby—bring home that Lombardi,” Campbell told reporters. Explaining: “That’s a huge reason why I signed here, because I believe there’s a great possibility. This club is exceptionally talented on both offense and defense. “We’ll be a formidable force.”
Calais Campbell Sends Message to Dolphins Nation Following Signing
Campbell reiterated that last comment in a video greeting to the audience on June 18.
Fins Fam, meet @CalaisCampbell đź‘‹ pic.twitter.com/RDxz0b72jm
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) June 18, 2024
“Yo Fins fam, what’s up baby?” Campbell started in the position.
“Calais Campbell is here; it’s official. “I’m a Miami Dolphin,” he continued. “I’m really excited about it. Can’t wait to get to work. One job, baby: bring home that Lombardi. Let’s get it.
It’s not just Campbell who has demonstrated this mindset; practically every Dolphins signing this offseason. Miami has done an excellent job of attracting veterans who are eager for a title and will go to any length to win one.
Campbell is the most recent example of this. After Christian Wilkins’ departure in March, the veteran should help fill a void at defensive tackle.