Jacksonville Jaguars reunion with DE Calais Campbell may not happen after all

Defensive end Calais Campbell got fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars excited when he was hosted for a visit by the team he used to play for. While it looks like a potential reunion was in the making, the player known as the Mayor left without a deal. On top of that, he's scheduled to meet with other clubs so he might end up not returning to the Jags after all.

Tiffany Blackmon of 92.9 The Game reports that Campbell is slated to visit the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills next week. A second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, the former Miami Hurrican signed a four-year deal worth $60 million in 2017 and went on to become a key cog on the defense that helped them reach the AFC Championship.

Campbell quickly became a fan favorite and was one of the Jaguars' more prominent players during his three-stint in Jacksonville. However, he was shipped to the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. While he wasn't nearly as productive as he was during his time with the Black and Teal, he was still dependable. Nevertheless, he was released earlier this year in a cost-saving move.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars DE Calais Campbell do what's best for him

Campbell will be 37 by the time the regular season starts and might be better suited for a rotational role rather than a featured one. Having said that, he's still going strong and it makes sense for him to look for the best possible fit. Even though he said earlier this year that he would like to play in Super Bowl 58, he needs to take other factors into account, such as the place he'll live, and stuff of that sort.

Even though a reunion with the Jaguars makes sense, Campbell should do what he thinks it's best for him. The Jaguars are doing the same. Otherwise, they wouldn't have let him leave without a deal. They know they can't fall into the nostalgia trap and overpay for the player he currently is. Conversely, he's right to maximize his value and look for the most favorable situation.

Campbell is highly regarded around league circles and his impact goes beyond what he can do on the football field. His leadership has been invaluable wherever he's been and he wants to land in a place where he's going to get the respect he deserves.

Will the Jaguars and Campbell end back together? Maybe, maybe not. Both parties would benefit from a reunion but they'll do what's best for them, so don't hold your breath and expect the Mayor to return to Jacksonville, regardless of how cool it would be.