Calais Campbell on Trade from Jaguars to Ravens: 'Trying to Prove Them Wrong'

The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to part ways with veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell this offseason, trading him to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick.  

And the veteran told the Ravens' The Lounge podcast that the trade will serve as motivation for him this season:

"I pay attention when people get traded. In the back of my mind, I wondered what I'd get traded for if I ever got traded. I'm perfectly fine with the way it went down. I'm going to be 34 years old this year. For some reason, it doesn't matter how much production you have, when you turn a certain age, guys are trying to get rid of you before you just can't do it anymore. That's good motivation for me because I'm always trying to prove them wrong."

The Ravens clearly believe Campbell has more in the tank after signing him to a two-year, $27 million deal with $20 million guaranteed after the trade. 

"I feel like my best football has come over the age of 30, Campbell said. "The last three years, I feel like I've been in my ultimate prime—31, 32, 33. I'm hoping I can keep that going. I've spent so much time and effort taking care of my body."

The numbers back that up. Campbell, a five-time Pro Bowler, posted solid numbers in 2019, with 56 tackles (10 for loss), 6.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He hasn't missed a game in five seasons and has posted 39.5 sacks in the past four years. 

Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 26th best player in all of football last year—and the best run defender—noting that Campbell had "71 total pressures as a pass-rushing force for the Jaguars."

He added: "Campbell isn't always deployed as a true edge-rusher for the Jags, as he moves around the defensive line and uses his size and versatility to make impact plays from a more interior alignment, as well. Regardless of where he lines up, he is a problem for offensive lines and blocking schemes to handle."

Baltimore is banking on Campbell continuing to be a versatile menace for their defense. And the veteran is looking forward to playing for his new team after talking with his former teammate, Tony Jefferson, who spoke positively about the Ravens.

"I played with him for four years in Arizona. We had a really good relationship, probably the best relationship of anybody in my playing career recently," he said. "For a guy who just got released to have that huge of an endorsement for a program, I was like, 'Wow, I want to be a part of this. That's pretty special.'"