Baltimore acquired Calais Campbell from Jacksonville for the…
Baltimore acquired Calais Campbell from Jacksonville for the 157th pick in the 2020 draft. Campbell spent three seasons with the Ravens, appearing in 41 games with 113 tackles, 11 sacks and 36 quarterback hits while making the 2020 Pro Bowl and serving as a defensive leader. Jacksonville used the fifth-round pick on safety Daniel Thomas, who became a durable special-teams contributor but only a spot defensive starter. Baltimore received considerably more impact.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- player Calais Campbell
Jacksonville Jaguars Received
- pick 2020 5th round pick (157th overall, Daniel Thomas )
Trade Analysis
Baltimore traded a 2020 fifth-round pick, No. 157, to Jacksonville for Calais Campbell as the Jaguars dismantled the veteran core that had reached the 2017 AFC Championship Game. For the Ravens, the appeal was clear: acquire one of the league's most respected interior defenders and leaders without surrendering a premium draft choice.
Campbell gave Baltimore three useful seasons. He appeared in 41 regular-season games for the Ravens from 2020 through 2022, recording 113 tackles, 11 sacks, 36 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. He made the Pro Bowl in his first Baltimore season and remained an important run defender even when his sack total dipped. The Ravens re-signed him in 2022, and that year he posted 5.5 sacks while helping a defense that finished near the top of the league in several major categories. His leadership value was significant enough that Baltimore publicly praised his professionalism when releasing him in 2023.
Jacksonville used the fifth-round pick on Auburn safety Daniel Thomas. Thomas carved out a real NFL role, which makes the Jaguars' side better than a typical late-pick miss. He appeared in 71 games for Jacksonville from 2020 through 2024, made four starts, intercepted one pass and became a steady special-teams contributor. He was never a full-time defensive starter, but five seasons of roster value from pick 157 is respectable.
The trade therefore should not be graded as Baltimore receiving a star while Jacksonville received nothing. The Jaguars obtained a durable depth player at a low-cost position in the draft. Baltimore simply captured far more high-leverage value from Campbell.
The Ravens keep an A. Jacksonville rises from D to B- because Thomas lasted five seasons and contributed consistently. Baltimore remains the clear winner.