If eliminated, the Dolphins are expected to release Calais Campbell

The Dolphins could be eliminated from playoff contention as soon as today, if both the Chargers beat the Patriots and the Broncos beat the Bengals.

If that happens — or if the Dolphins lose to the Browns on Sunday — Miami will be eliminated. And, as explained by Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are expected to release veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell.

Campbell, who has spoken about the possibility of being released once the Dolphins are done, would go through waivers. Any other team, contender or non-contender, would have the ability to claim him for the final week of the regular season and perhaps beyond. If unclaimed, Campbell would become a free agent.

Kelly explains that the Ravens wanted to trade for Campbell before the deadline in early November, but that coach Mike McDaniel persuaded Campbell to stick around, with the understanding that he’d be released if/when the team’s playoff chances have ended.

The Ravens would presumably be on the short list to make a claim. Kelly notes that the Vikings and Lions are also expected to be interested. Also, if the goal is to win a championship, the Chiefs could be the best destination.

“My whole career I’ve been close, but no cigar,” Campbell said, via Kelly. “I want that cigar.”

Things will get awkward if Miami’s thin playoff hopes remain alive beyond this weekend. It will be hard for Campbell to bail on a team that still has a chance to make it to the playoffs — even if they don’t make it or, if they do, they lose in the wild-card round. (Again.) And since Miami’s roster locks as soon as its season ends, he can’t be released if the team is eliminated in Week 18.

It becomes an interesting subplot to the final two weekends of the 2024 regular season. Especially since, if Miami is cooked come Monday, it only takes one non-playoff team to slip Campbell an exploding cigar by claiming his contract on waivers.