Michael RothsteinESPN staff writer2 minutes to read
A source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the Atlanta Falcons will sign Calais Campbell to a one-year deal in the franchise’s latest step to modernize its defense.
After Atlanta’s season ended, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said the team needed to expand its defensive line. In fact, he made a coordinator change this offseason, replacing Dean Pace, who had retired, with Ryan Nielsen. She also added safety Jessie Bates III, defensive tackle David Onyemata and linebacker Kaden Elliss in the early days of free agency.
In Campbell, however, the Falcons are adding a veteran defensive line space and another veteran passer alongside Grady Jarrett. Campbell’s 5.5 sacks last season would have finished second with the Falcons in 2022 and led the team in 2021.
Rounding out the Falcons’ roster are Campbell, Jarrett, Onimata and Ellis, defensive tackle Taquwon Graham, veteran linebacker Lorenzo Carter and outside linebackers Arnold Ibikiti and Deangelo Malone (who scored the first three runs last season). .
The Ravens hoped to re-sign Campbell later in the season on a reduced salary after he was cut below salary cap for the $32.416 million non-exclusive franchise Lamar Jackson on March 13. Baltimore created $7 million in much-needed cap space by taking down Campbell, who had the fifth-highest ($9.44 million) on the team.
Campbell announced at the Super Bowl in February that he intended to return for his 16th season. At 36, he is the NFL’s oldest active defenseman.
Campbell has had a running season, but he’s had some durability issues lately, missing a total of nine games in the past three years. The Ravens could move Broderick Washington to Campbell’s starting spot if they don’t address free agency or the draft loophole.
One of the reasons for Campbell’s return is that he hit 100 career bags. He currently has 99 sacks and admitted at the end of the season that the feat “isn’t high on the list but it’s something I really want”.
In Round 2 in 2008, Campbell recorded 809 tackles and 237 quarterback hits while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Ravens. He was named a first-team All-Pro after the 2017 season when he recorded a career-best 14.5 sacks for the Jaguars and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year polls.
Campbell was also recognized as one of the best players in the league. After that season, Campbell was presented with the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which honors those who show integrity and honor on the field. In 2019 he was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
NFL Network first reported that Campbell would be signing with the Falcons.
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley contributed to this report.
