The Miami Dolphins were ready to trade veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens before the Nov. 5 trade deadline, but Mike McDaniel stepped in to stop the move.
“I may or may not have thrown an adult temper tantrum,” said McDaniel, confirming the report from NFL Network that first shared the news on Sunday.
At that time, the Dolphins were struggling with a 2-6 record and had lost three straight games. They had played poorly without their starting quarterback, going 1-3 after Tua Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 17 due to a concussion.
Campbell would have been able to rejoin the Ravens, who were in playoff contention, while the Dolphins would have received a 2026 fifth-round pick. However, McDaniel argued that Campbell was too important to let go.
“I was happy that they brought me into the conversations,” Campbell said after Miami’s 34-15 win against the New England Patriots. “They didn’t have to say anything to me at all. We had a really good conversation about what we think about this team, where we are. We felt like we had a good shot to get back into the fight.”
McDaniel added, “I think it wasn’t like it was (GM) Chris (Grier) versus me… That’s the tricky thing about Chris’ job is he has to look long-term and short-term at the same time, what’s the best for the organization.”
Campbell, a 17-year veteran, had signed with the Dolphins after playing for Atlanta last season. His presence has been highly praised by teammates and coaches for both his on-field performance and leadership in the locker room.
“There’s no one’s game I’ve come to respect more than Calais up front on the D-line,” said defensive tackle Zach Sieler. “Being with him this year and just the energy, the attitude, and the mindset he brings every week, it can’t be matched. That’s why he is who he is today and doing what he’s doing at 17 years.”
Campbell leads the team with four sacks. He made history with back-to-back sacks in Weeks 10 and 11, becoming the eighth player aged 38 or older to record sacks in consecutive games since the 1970 merger. He also has nine tackles for loss, marking at least five tackles for loss in 15 of his 17 seasons.
Campbell played for Baltimore from 2020-2022, accumulating 11 sacks and 113 tackles during his time there.
“I think he means a great deal to not only the defensive line room but the entire defense as well as the entire team,” McDaniel said earlier this week. “It’s rare for a guy to get here when he did, and then be voted, with such conviction, captain. I think the way that he operates to be a pro has had a substantial impact on a lot of players that hadn’t been fortunate enough to be around someone with sustained success like he’s had.”
Since the trade deadline, the Dolphins have won three straight games. On Sunday, Miami’s defense held the Patriots scoreless until the fourth quarter.
Campbell led the pregame huddle, as he has for most games this season, and was seen mentoring rookie linebacker Chop Robinson, who always seeks advice from the six-time Pro Bowler.
“My job is to speak on behalf of what’s the best thing for the 2024 Dolphins,” McDaniel said. “I’m just fortunate to work in an organization where myself and the GM can be transparent and work together. And he didn’t want to see any more adult temper tantrums.”
