Campbell on Jaguars: ‘I saw a team that was very talented’

The decision wasn’t all that difficult.

The money was right, of course, but there was more than that in Calais Campbell’s decision to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. The defensive end did his homework.

‘Every team is pretty close to equal in the division’

When he studied the Jaguars, he saw what he believes is a team that can contend for the AFC South championship.

“Doing my research, I saw a team that was talented,” Campbell told Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt on Late Hits. “I saw a team that was very talented in a (division) that I felt like was up for grabs. Every team is pretty close to equal in the division.

‘I feel like Blake Bortles is a good quarterback’

“I feel like Blake Bortles is a good quarterback. They brought in (tackle) Branden Albert (from Miami), who’s a great offensive lineman. You see the defense, No. 6th-ranked defense last year. And then free agency moves, you see other guys were coming in, with (cornerback A.J.) Bouye (from Houston)  and (safety Barry) Church (from Dallas), and it’s like, man, the front office is doing a great job.

“You look at Tom Coughlin as a coach and as a person who runs an organization. He’s always had the utmost respect for me and everybody who’s played for him has always said good things. So I feel like it’s a great opportunity. And, also, Coach (Doug) Marrone. Guys who I know played for him always say he’s just a great guy. They want to play for him.”