Defensive tackle Calais Campbell almost returned to the Baltimore Ravens, according to a US report, but the Miami Dolphins head coach apparently objected.

Six-time Pro-Bowler Calais Campbell only joined the Miami Dolphins last offseason. Apparently, he almost left the team already.

As reported by NFL Media, it looked for a moment as if the Miami Dolphins would release Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens. But head coach Mike McDaniel prevented the trade by telling Campbell to his face in a meeting that he would not release him.

The reason: McDaniel considered Campbell too valuable to give up based on his performance on the field and his leadership abilities. The Dolphins are still in the hunt for the playoffs despite a 4-6 record.

McDaniel apparently considered the quality of the squad more important than financial relief and the one or other draft pick that the Dolphins would have received in exchange.

Especially since Campbell, with a salary of two million US dollars, is not one of the top earners anyway. The defensive tackle already played for the Ravens from 2020 to 2023, so a change might have been tempting for him.

The 38-year-old has recorded 26 tackles and four sacks in ten games as a Dolphins starter.