Bills reach agreement to sign 6-time Pro Bowl defensive star from Arizona Cardinals in an $18 million deal – bringing experience, grit, and championship hunger to Buffalo’s Super Bowl quest.

Bills reach agreement to sign 6-time Pro Bowl defensive star from Arizona Cardinals in an $18 million deal – bringing experience, grit, and championship hunger to Buffalo’s Super Bowl quest.

Buffalo, New York – November 1, 2025

In a move that has sent ripples across the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a one-year deal worth $18 million with veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler, to bolster a defense decimated by injuries. The move comes just days before Buffalo’s highly anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, signaling the team’s clear intent to strengthen its roster for a deep Super Bowl run.

At 39 years old, Campbell remains one of the most respected and durable defensive linemen of his generation. Across nearly two decades with the Cardinals, Jaguars, Ravens, and Falcons, he’s continued to produce at a high level — recording 19 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 tackles for loss through seven games this season with Arizona. According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell holds a 78.3 overall grade, ranking 12th among all interior defensive linemen in the NFL — an impressive mark for a player approaching 40.

Head coach Sean McDermott expressed his excitement about the pending addition:

“Calais brings more than just tackles,” McDermott said. “He’s a true leader — someone who knows how to lift an entire defense when things get tough. He brings experience, poise, and a championship mentality. To me, those qualities are worth more than any stat line.”

The deal comes at a critical moment for Buffalo, as star defensive tackle Ed Oliver suffered a torn bicep and is expected to miss the rest of the season, while DaQuan Jones and DeWayne Carter remain sidelined long-term. With the defensive interior depleted, adding a proven veteran like Campbell could provide both stability on the field and leadership in the locker room.

According to team sources, Campbell is expected to arrive in Buffalo within the next 48 hours to undergo a physical and finalize contract details.

If the agreement is completed, it would stand as one of general manager Brandon Beane’s most strategic and impactful moves of the season — filling a major defensive void while bringing to Buffalo a symbol of grit, leadership, and unwavering belief in the pursuit of a championship.