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The Jacksonville Jaguars will be trading veteran defensive end Calais Campbell on the set of the new league year. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal has been agreed to in principle sends the team a fifth-round selection in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. The Ravens will reportedly give Campbell a new contract.
Jaguars and Ravens have agreed to a trade in principle that would send Pro Bowl DE Calais Campbell to Baltimore for a 2020 fifth-round pick, per sources. Campbell will try to finalize an extension with Baltimore.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2020
Campbell signed with the Jaguars shortly prior to 2017 after spending the previous nine seasons as a member of the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year $60M deal with $30M guaranteed. Over the past three years, Campbell has logged 137 solo tackles, 77 quarterback hits, 44 tackles for loss, 31.5 sacks, and two touchdowns.
This move comes shortly after the Jaguars are reportedly to send veteran quarterback A.J. Bouye to the Denver Broncos for a fourth-round selection in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft as well. The Jaguars have now lost two key veterans are important position in the past week and will ultimately have to resolve that issue during free agency and the draft.
The Jaguars will not only be losing a fantastic player on the field, but one off the field as well. Last season, Campbell won the most prestigious honor in the NFL when he was awarded the Water Payton Man of the Year award. The WPMOTY award is given to the NFL player who has demonstrated excellence on and off the field through volunteer work, charity, or both.
Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen shared his goodbyes via social media shortly following the deal being announced. Campbell and Allen shared a unique relationship within the team’s locker room, with the rookie defensive end oftentimes leaning on Campbell for advice.
“It was an honor to play with you bro,” Allen said on Twitter. “You taught me so much about the game and stuff that I will never forget. I wish you nothing but success and happiness on your journey for you and your family.”
It was a honor to play with you bro. You taught me so much about the game and stuff that I will never forget. I wish you nothing but success and and happiness on your journey for you and your family. @CalaisCampbell pic.twitter.com/wKj58BEAOB
— 41 (@JoshAllen41_) March 15, 2020
This move will ultimately save the Jaguars around $15M in salary cap space for the 2020 season. The Jaguars will now have 11 draft selections entering the 2020 NFL Draft including two first-round selections, two fourth-round selections, two fifth-round selections, and two sixth-round selections. The new league year is set to open on March 18th, with free agency ‘legal tampering’ period set to open on Monday at 12:00PM.