The Miami Dolphins are suddenly hot, winning three straight games to climb to 5-6 and back into the AFC playoff picture. That was far from the case before the trade deadline, as GM Chris Grier agreed to trade veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel revealed on Sunday that he “may or may not have thrown an adult temper tantrum” when initially informed of the front office’s decision to move Campbell.

The 17-year NFL veteran signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dolphins this offense in part because Campbell lives in the area. He was consulted by the team ahead of the trade but informed them he preferred to stay in Miami, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“It speaks to how he’s playing,” McDaniel said of his outburst. “It speaks to what he means to the team, that teams would be willing to do that, and there was some competition for that.”

“My job is to speak on behalf of what’s the best thing for the 2024 Dolphins. I’m just fortunate to work in an organization where myself and the GM can be transparent and work together, and he didn’t want to see any more adult temper tantrums.”

Campbell has been a core part of the Dolphins pass-rush: he’s tied with defensive tackle Zach Sieler for the team-lead with four sacks. He’s up to 109.5 career sacks, the third most among active players behind Von Miller and Cameron Jordan.

Calais Campbell and Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins

Calais Campbell (L) and the streaking Miami Dolphins appear to have re-emerged as contenders ( 

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Getty Images)

The eight-time Pro Bowler was taken by the Arizona Cardinals with the 50th pick in 2008. Campbell has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Dolphins.

Miami is fresh off a dominant 34-15 victory over the New England Patriots. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 29 of his 40 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns while underperforming wideout caught eight of those passes for 144 yards and a score.

The Dolphins are firmly back in the AFC playoff race at 5-6, just 1.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the conference’s final wild-card spot.

McDaniel understands the balance of short-term fringe playoff aspirations and having a sustainable long-term roster. “I think it wasn’t like it was (GM) Chris (Grier) versus me…That’s the tricky thing about Chris’ job is he has to look long-term and short-term at the same time, what’s the best for the organization,” McDaniel said.

“We rely on each other for things that I need to be on top of, and one of those is the locker room and what one individual does for an entire team. I think it speaks to Calais because that was a strong compensation for a guy that’s — he just passed the 30-year-old mark [Campbell is 38].”