Prior to the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5, the Ravens went big-game hunting, hoping to solidify their defensive front with a familiar face.
Calais Campbell was the target. He had thrived in Baltimore before, and the Ravens hoped he would again.
Yet as the deal got closer, sources say, the Dolphins resisted. At various points over a hectic two days before the deadline, sources involved believed a deal was getting done and Campbell would return to Baltimore.
That is until Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stepped in. Sources say McDaniel stopped the deal, believing that Campbell was too valuable to lose. McDaniel told Campbell this to his face in a meeting.
McDaniel couldn't get behind dealing one of their team leaders and defensive stalwarts, even if it would clear some money and bring back a 2026 fifth-rounder for a team that was then 2-6 and without a lot of hope for a turnaround.
McDaniel valued the leadership and kept the faith in his team.
Perhaps there was a chance the Dolphins could turn it around, and if so Campbell would certainly help. If there was something to play for in late November and December, they'd want him on the field.
The Dolphins have since won two contests in a row to claw back to 4-6. Heading into today’s home game against the 3-8 Patriots, they have a chance to draw a game within .500.
The 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner's play is a reason why.
Miami is home for Campbell, one reason why he took much less money to eventually sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dolphins. A trade to the Ravens, who sit second in the AFC North and have Super Bowl aspirations, would have returned him to where he thrived from 2020-22, earning a Pro Bowl nod in his first season there.
While the trade hung in the balance, sources say Campbell even believed he would be dealt. Many people did. Instead, thanks to McDaniel, he stayed in Miami and led the charge back.
The 38-year-old Campbell made headlines in the Dolphins' Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams, batting down two passes, collecting a sack and helping lead a four-sack effort -- then shooting hoops as a celebration.
"For us to go where we want to go," Campbell said after the game, "we've got to keep fighting and believe."
He also had a sack in Miami's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. While it won't be an easy road to make a playoff push, there are four combined games against the Patriots, Jets and Browns left on the schedule.
If it's going to happen, Campbell will be there.
