Calais Campbell’s brother says the Dolphins had a ‘bidding war’ at the deadline

Earlier this week, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team had an offer from the Baltimore Ravens for defensive lineman Calais Campbell, which they rejected just before the NFL trade deadline.

According to Campbell’s brother, it was much more than just that.

“There was a bidding war,” Jared Campbell said on a podcast with comedian Michael Lenoci. “You had nine teams that offered at least a sixth-round pick. … Then there was a bidding war, so the teams offered a fifth — the 49ers and the Ravens. The (Dolphins) said, ‘Oh, we’re going with the Ravens.’ You know the team, they look good. You are good.’ And the 49ers came in at the last minute and said we would pick him in the fourth round.”

Other teams in the mix included the Cardinals, Bears, Commanders and Bengals, according to Jared.

It’s hard to get a fourth-round pick for a 38-year-old defensive lineman with an expiring contract. The fact that the Dolphins retained Campbell despite these offers was a vote of confidence that was not lost on the 17th-year defensive lineman.

“Calais was willing to be traded,” Jared Campbell said. “Somehow they made their decision in the last hour before they said, ‘Hey, give us the choice.’ To say, ‘No, we’re not going to do that.’ Calais said, ‘Man, it made me feel like love.’ Because when you turn down a fourth-round pick for a 38-year-old with an expiring contract, you have to really want me.’”

The Dolphins’ faith has been rewarded in recent weeks. The team has won three straight since the Nov. 5 deadline and Campbell’s leadership has left a strong impression on his teammates.

The six-time Pro Bowler leads the team with four sacks and has nine tackles for a loss.