NFL Rumors: Dolphins' Calais Campbell, Packers' Preston Smith Subject of Trade Calls

Teams have called the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers regarding defensive tackle Calais Campbell and defensive lineman Preston Smith, respectively, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

"It's no surprise teams have called the Miami Dolphins to check in on Calais Campbell," Russini wrote. "Calls have also been made to the Green Bay Packers regarding Preston Smith, especially with the need for pass rushers across the league."

The 38-year-old Campbell is in his 17th NFL season, amassing 22 tackles, five quarterback hits and two sacks in seven starts. The 31-year-old Smith, a 10-year NFL veteran, has 16 tackles, four quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks in eight starts.

Trading Campbell would make sense for Miami, a 2-6 team that's likely finishing outside the playoffs. The Dolphins are underdogs in a road matchup against the 6-2 Buffalo Bills on Sunday, so this team could be 2-7 going into the trade deadline, perhaps encouraging the team to trade off players for picks by Tuesday.

Campbell arrived in town on a one-year, $2 million deal, so financials shouldn't get in the way of a trade. He would in essence amount to a half-season rental for a contending team.

Campbell is a six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro who made the Hall of Fame's All-2010s team.

As for Smith, it's no secret teams have made inquiries. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Oct. 19 that Smith was among players "generating interest in trade discussions," further writing: "Green Bay rotates a lot of edge players, and their defense has skewed young. The 31-year-old Smith is on several teams' radars."

Smith is on a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Packers, and his contract runs through 2026. He's missed just one game in his 10-year career, which features 68.5 sacks and 155 quarterback hits.

Smith remains productive and a clear contributor for the 6-2 Packers. It's clear why teams covet Smith, but it's unclear why Green Bay would be willing to part with him. Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave. discussed both sides:

"In a win-now season, moving on from a veteran pass-rusher like Smith doesn't seem to make much sense, especially given the Packers' issues generating pressure on quarterbacks. Rashan Gary is the only defensive end on the roster to play more snaps than Smith this season.

"However, there is a scenario where it could work. Perhaps the Packers believe their pass rush would improve by getting Kingsley Enagbare or Lukas Van Ness more involved, allowing them to make a deal for Smith. Maybe they plan to use the additional draft capital to make a move for a younger edge-rusher or cornerback.

"But if the Packers don't intend to buy at the deadline, trading Smith for a Day 3 pick could hurt their pass-rushing depth without enough of a reward. Considering Green Bay ranks 30th in pass-rush win rate this season (per ESPN), it would be a risky move."

Overall, the Packers could move on from Smith if they're looking to get out his massive deal or give younger players more time. At the same time, pass-rushers are at a premium in this league, and giving up one for a draft pick doesn't make much sense on the surface, especially for a team fighting for a NFC North title.

In the end, the Dolphins and Packers are clearly teams to watch as the Tuesday trade deadline nears.