After rumors arose this week that the Lions are interested in free agent defensive lineman and six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell, Dan Campbell confirmed as much on Tuesday.
"Tight end," Campbell cracked. "See if he can play it."
Jokes aside, Campbell said the Lions have indeed reached out to the 15-year vet about coming to Detroit, a day after GM Brad Holmes said their work isn't done in free agency.
"Look, we turned the tape on and I’ll tell you what, man, you talk about a lot of respect for a big man. Oh my gosh," Campbell said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings. "I just keep watching it and I’m like, man, there’s no way he can feel good, that body that cannot feel good, but it looks like it feels good because he is a force to be reckoned with, man."
Calais Campbell, who turns 37 in September, had 5.5 sacks and 36 tackles last season. He added 34 quarterback pressures, per Pro Football Focus. He would add another disruptive presence to Detroit's deepening defensive line, but the Lions are far from the only team pursuing him.
The 2017 All-Pro, who has 99 sacks to his name, is also reportedly in talks with the Jaguars, Falcons, Jets and Bills.
"You put him in a closed end, you’re not running over there. He can rush as the three technique still on third down, he’s got length, he’s got size, he’s still quick, so we’ll see," said Campbell. "We’re not the only one who’s on him."
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker