The Arizona Cardinals are coming off their bye, continuing to face major questions.
Sitting within a loaded NFC West and looking to make a push for the playoffs, the team enters week 9 needing momentum.
And possibly, to make some tough business decisions.
Cardinals‘ defensive tackle Calias Campbell found himself at the center of those discussions.
PFF’s Bradley Locker recently highlighted Campbell on his 20 trade candidates ahead of the 2025 trade deadline list.
Campbell is a longtime NFL veteran who has been an anchor in the trenches and continues to produce at age 39.
While he may not dominate the interior like he used to, he still provides consistency and leadership that remains valuable.
With the Cardinals currently walking a fine line between playoffs and an early-season exit, Campbell’s name carries weight heading into the trade deadline.
Cardinals Could Cash In On Campbell
GettyAfter eight years away, Calais Campbell has returned to the Arizona Cardinals
Through seven games of the 2025 season, Campbell has totalled 19 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits.
A steady presence on the Cardinals’ defensive front.
However, Arizona could see this as an opportunity to turn a veteran player into future assets.
Contending teams often covet late edition players like Campbell, who bring value and ability into their defensive front.
PFF’s Bradley Locker provided more proof of Campbell’s encouraging play.
“Even at 39, Campbell has still been an above-average player for the Cardinals this season. He’s on track for a 15th straight year with a 71.0-plus overall PFF grade, and has been a well-rounded addition for Arizona’s new-look defense. Campbell has generated 11 pressures while also producing a 70.0 PFF run-defense grade,” wrote Locker.
Even at his age, Campbell could fetch the Cardinals a decent draft pick in return for his services.
And it would provide Arizona with extra draft capital to continue building its roster.
Arizona Faces Pivotal Week Amid Trade Talks
GettyArizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
If the Cardinals did, in fact, move on from Campbell, it wouldn’t necessarily mean they are giving up.
It would be a move towards sustainability.
The Cardinals have shown they have multiple young players on defense who are showing promise, and extra assets can help shore up other holes on the roster.
Moreover, Arizona faces a tough battle the rest of the way, and it may be worth having an honest conversation about where this team is at and making some decisions accordingly.
“With Campbell at his age and on a one-year deal, shipping him away — particularly to pave the way for playing time for younger players — could be logical,” said Locker.
At 3-4, the Cardinals have an important date with the Dallas Cowboys this coming Sunday.
The next few weeks may decide their fate.
However, quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to be back, which will give Arizona a needed push in a pivotal game.
A strong showing from here could sway the Cardinals to stay the course.
But if the losses start to pile up, GM Monti Ossenfort could start making phone calls.
Either way, the Cardinals face a defining stretch.
They must be able to balance the urgency of competing now with the realism of planning for the future.
As the deadline nears, Arizona will show its hand — playoff hopefuls or retooling for what’s next.
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