Falcons’ spending spree continues as Atlanta ‘adds six-time Pro Bowl DL Calais Campbell on one-year deal’ to league’s 27th-ranked defense
The Atlanta Falcons have made another major signing, adding Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Specifics of the contract have not been revealed, but the 6-foot-8, 307-pound Campbell should give Atlanta a versatile, veteran presence who was respected as a team leader in Atlanta.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Campbell has been among the most productive defensive ends in football since being drafted out of Miami by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He led the NFL in sacks in 2017 with 14.5 as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and even at 36, had 5.5 sacks in 14 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022.
Falcons spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation.
Ryan Nielsen, Atlanta’s new defensive coordinator, previously said the Falcons will use multiple defensive fronts this season, which may help explain the addition of Campbell – a massive athlete capable of playing defensive tackle in a four-man front or defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.
Calais Campbell on the field before the game against the Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field
The Falcons ranked 27th on defense last season under former coordinator Dean Pees.
Campbell is hardly the Falcons’ only off-season move.
Coming off a 7-10 season, coach Arthur Smith’s team has already added safety Jessie Bates on a four-year, $64 million deal, as well as cornerback and former first-round pick Mike Hughes to help replace the departed Isaiah Oliver, who signed with San Francisco.
The Falcons also added former Saints teammates linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive lineman David Onyemata on three-year deals.
On offense, Atlanta locked up Pro Bowl guard Chris Lidstrom on a five-year, $105 million deal, traded for tight end Jonnu Smith, and signed veteran backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year, $20 million deal.
Heinicke will play behind starter Desmond Ridder.
‘Yeah, they drafted him high last year for a reason,’ Heinicke said earlier this month of the third-round draft pick from Cincinnati. ‘They believe in him for a reason. He showed some good film last year. Again, if something unfortunate happens to him I’ll be ready to go.’
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speak at the NFL’s league meetings in Phoenix