The Miami Dolphins’ defensive line has been a point of pride for the team over the past few years, boasting a group of high-caliber players who could disrupt opposing offenses with the best of them. However, following the recent news that veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell has signed with the Arizona Cardinals, Miami finds itself in a difficult position. The loss of Campbell, who was expected to be a key part of the Dolphins’ defensive front in 2025, leaves a significant gap in the lineup and raises many questions about how the team will address the void moving forward.
Calais Campbell’s departure is a significant blow for the Dolphins, both in terms of his on-field production and the leadership he provided to the defensive line. At 38 years old, Campbell is no longer in the prime of his career, but he still brought a wealth of experience, size, and athleticism to the table—traits that are hard to replace. His presence on the line was a key part of Miami’s defensive identity, and now, without him, the team will need to find a way to keep its pass rush and run defense effective.
In this article, we will explore the implications of Campbell’s departure from Miami, the current state of the Dolphins’ defensive line, the challenges they face in replacing him, and what moves they could make to address their needs in the coming months. We will also examine the broader context of the Dolphins’ defensive strategy and how this change may impact their chances of success in the highly competitive AFC East.
The Impact of Losing Calais Campbell
Calais Campbell was never a flashy player, but his impact on the game could never be overstated. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing in at over 300 pounds, Campbell possessed a rare combination of size and athleticism that allowed him to excel as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. He spent much of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he became one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. His stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders, earning him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.
For the Dolphins, the signing of Campbell in 2023 was seen as a key move to bolster their defensive line and improve their ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks. Miami had a solid defensive front, but they were looking for another veteran presence to complement players like Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, and Jalen Phillips. With Campbell, the Dolphins were hoping to add a reliable pass rusher with the size to clog up running lanes. His leadership and ability to elevate the play of his teammates were also seen as crucial factors in the team’s overall defensive strategy.
However, with Campbell now heading to the Arizona Cardinals, Miami finds itself in a tough position. The team will have to figure out how to replace his experience, leadership, and playmaking ability. While the Dolphins still have several key pieces on the defensive line, they will need to address the gap left by Campbell’s absence and find a way to keep their defense competitive in a division that is becoming more and more challenging.
The Current State of the Dolphins’ Defensive Line
Even with the loss of Calais Campbell, the Dolphins’ defensive line is not without talent. The team still boasts some young, high-potential players who can make an impact in the coming years. However, the departure of Campbell leaves a void that is not easily filled. To understand how this loss impacts the team, let’s break down the current state of the Dolphins’ defensive line:
1. Christian Wilkins: The Anchor of the Defensive Line
Christian Wilkins is one of the most important pieces of the Dolphins’ defensive line. A first-round pick in 2019, Wilkins has quickly developed into one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders. His versatility allows him to play both defensive tackle positions, and he has proven to be a force against both the run and the pass. Wilkins’ motor, ability to shed blockers, and leadership in the locker room make him a key player on Miami’s defense.
However, while Wilkins is a star in his own right, he can’t do it all alone. He needs help on the line to keep offenses from double-teaming him, and the loss of Campbell puts additional pressure on Wilkins to carry more of the load. Miami’s defense will need to find a way to complement Wilkins’ strengths and make sure that the unit as a whole can remain effective against both the pass and the run.
2. Raekwon Davis: A Promising Player with Untapped Potential
Raekwon Davis has shown flashes of promise during his time with the Dolphins, and the team is hoping he can take the next step in his development. At 6-foot-7 and over 330 pounds, Davis has the size to be a disruptive force against the run, and his ability to clog up the middle of the line is an asset to the team. However, Davis has yet to consistently show the type of pass-rushing production needed to elevate Miami’s defensive front.
With Campbell now gone, Davis could be thrust into a larger role and asked to provide more pressure on quarterbacks. While Davis has the physical tools to be effective, the Dolphins will need to see continued development from him in order to fill the void left by Campbell’s departure. The team may also need to look for additional help along the defensive line if Davis is unable to take on more responsibility.
3. Jalen Phillips: The Edge Rusher with Explosive Potential
Jalen Phillips, the team’s 2021 first-round pick, has the potential to be one of the top edge rushers in the league. Phillips has already shown the ability to get after the quarterback, finishing the 2024 season with a career-high 10 sacks. His explosiveness, athleticism, and ability to close on quarterbacks make him a key component of Miami’s pass rush. However, like Wilkins, Phillips needs help up front to keep offenses from scheming around him.
With Campbell now out of the picture, Phillips’ role becomes even more crucial. Miami will need him to consistently pressure the quarterback and make plays on passing downs. The addition of another reliable pass rusher to the team’s defensive line could take some of the pressure off of Phillips and allow him to have more of an impact on games.
The Challenges of Replacing Campbell
Replacing a player like Calais Campbell is no easy task. As one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in the NFL, Campbell brought a unique skill set to Miami’s defensive front. His ability to contribute in both the run game and the pass rush made him invaluable, and his leadership in the locker room was just as important as his on-field production.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Dolphins is finding a player who can replicate Campbell’s versatility. While there are several talented players on the roster, none of them quite bring the same combination of size, experience, and playmaking ability that Campbell possessed. Miami could attempt to plug the gap by utilizing a committee approach, but that may not be enough to compete with some of the more high-powered offenses in the AFC.
Additionally, the Dolphins will have to find ways to keep the defensive line fresh and ensure that the pass rush doesn’t lose effectiveness without Campbell’s presence. The team will likely look to make moves in free agency or the draft to add depth to the position, but finding a player who can immediately contribute at Campbell’s level is no small task.
Potential Solutions for Miami’s Defensive Line
While the loss of Calais Campbell is a significant blow, the Dolphins do have several options to address the hole in their defensive line. Here are some potential moves the team could make to improve the position:
1. Free Agency: Adding Another Veteran
The most immediate way for Miami to replace Campbell’s production would be through free agency. There are several veteran defensive linemen available who could come in and contribute right away. Players like Fletcher Cox, Ndamukong Suh, and Akiem Hicks are all experienced options who could help solidify the defensive line and provide leadership. These players may not be in their prime anymore, but they bring invaluable experience and can still be productive contributors.
2. The NFL Draft: Selecting a Defensive Lineman
If the Dolphins decide to go the draft route, they could target a young defensive lineman who can make an immediate impact. The 2025 NFL Draft features several talented prospects on the defensive line, including players who can rush the passer or stop the run. Miami could look to select a player in the first or second round to help fill the gap left by Campbell’s departure.
3. Developing Internal Talent
Another option is for the Dolphins to focus on developing the players they already have on the roster. Young players like Raekwon Davis, Benito Jones, and John Jenkins could all take on larger roles as the team looks for more production from within. If Miami can develop these players into more consistent contributors, it could go a long way toward mitigating the loss of Campbell.
Miami Faces an Uphill Battle
The Miami Dolphins’ loss of Calais Campbell is a significant setback for the team’s defensive line, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle. With the talent already present in the front seven and the potential to make moves in free agency or the draft, the Dolphins have opportunities to address the gap left by Campbell’s departure. However, the team will need to make wise decisions in order to remain competitive in a stacked AFC East.
As the Dolphins look to the future, they must find a way to stay aggressive on the defensive line and make sure they have the depth needed to handle the challenges posed by some of the NFL’s most potent offenses. While Campbell’s loss is a tough one, it may serve as an opportunity for younger players to step up and for the team to build a defense that can contend for years to come. Miami’s next steps will be critical as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the AFC.