The news about the Atlanta Falcons signing Calais Campbell stuns many who knew he had a free-agent visit scheduled with the Buffalo Bills. By signing the veteran defensive end to a one-year deal, the Falcons are demonstrating a commitment to buttressing their defensive line and adding experience. According to Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report, the Baltimore Ravens released him to save $7 million in salary-cap space.
Falcons Signing Calais Campbell
Campbell spent the last three seasons as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. Before joining the Ravens, he had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was traded from the Jaguars to the Ravens and later signed a two-year deal worth $27 million, with $20 million guaranteed.
During his time with the Ravens, Campbell started 14 games in the past season, recording five and a half sacks, four tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits, despite missing three games. Timothy Rapp also divulged that throughout Campbell’s career, he has posted seven seasons with seven or more sacks and two years with double-digit sack totals.
The Falcons have been actively working to strengthen their defense this offseason under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. They have already signed defensive tackle David Onyemata and linebacker Kaden Elliss from the New Orleans Saints. Therefore, adding Campbell is a significant move for the Falcons, who hope his talent and experience will contribute to their revamped defense.
Prospects For Improved Defense
Calais Campbell, a former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner, has the potential to substantially impact the Falcons’ defense as he continues to build an increasingly valid Hall of Fame case. If he starts 12 games in 2023, he will be fourth in the NFL annals for starts by a defensive lineman, further solidifying his legacy.
Many Falcons fans are eager to see Campbell’s impact on Atlanta’s defense. Without question, he is a welcome addition to the defense.
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