Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel struck a deal for Calais Campbell with the Ravens before the Nov. 5 trade deadline

McDaniel couldn’t get behind trading one of their team leaders and defensive stalwarts, even though it would clear some money and bring back a 2026 fifth-rounder for a team that was then 2-6 and without much hope of a turnaround .

McDaniel valued leadership and kept faith in his team.

Maybe there was a chance the Dolphins could turn it around, and if so, Campbell would certainly help. If there was anything to play for in late November and December, they wanted him on the field.

The Dolphins have since won two straight contests to get back to 4-6. Heading into today’s home game against the 3-8 Patriots, they have a chance to tie within .500.

The 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner’s play is one reason why.

Miami is home to Campbell, one reason he took much less money to eventually sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dolphins. A trade to the Ravens, who are second in the AFC North and have Super Bowl aspirations, would have returned him to where he thrived from 2020-22, earning a Pro Bowl nod in his first season there.

While the trade hung in the balance, sources say Campbell even believed he would be dealt. Many people did. Instead, thanks to McDaniel, he stayed in Miami and led the offense.

The 38-year-old Campbell made headlines in the Dolphins’ Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams, knocking down two passes, collecting a sack and helping lead a four-sack effort — then shooting the hoops in celebration.

“For us to go where we want to go,” Campbell said after the game, “we have to keep fighting and keep believing.”

He also had a sack in Miami’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. While it won’t be an easy road to make a playoff push, there are four combined games left on the schedule against the Patriots, Jets and Browns.

If it’s going to happen, Campbell will be there.