Atlanta Falcons Sign 15-Year Veteran Defensive Lineman

Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2023 NFL season.

The move comes after Campbell was released by the Baltimore Ravens earlier this month to save cap space.

Sources: The #Falcons are making another splash, as former #Ravens star Calais Campbell intends to sign a 1-year deal with them. The Pro Bowler and former Walter Payton Man of the year will lend leadership to a young team he believes in. And Atlanta adds — again — on defense. pic.twitter.com/L8mjnJjxsc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2023

Campbell spent the last three seasons in Baltimore and was a productive member of the defense in his first season, earning a Pro Bowl selection with four sacks, six pass breakups, and 10 quarterback hits. However, his production declined in 2021 but ticked back up last season, recording 1.5 sacks in 2021 and 5.5 sacks in 2022.

Campbell brings a wealth of experience to the Falcons, as he will be playing his 16th NFL season. He is the NFL's active leader in games played for a defensive player.

Campbell visited with the Falcons last week and ultimately decided to sign with them, choosing Atlanta over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and the New York Jets, all of which expressed interest in signing him.

Falcons to sign DE Calais Campbell to one-year deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/7ls4AEcicO
— NFL (@NFL) March 29, 2023

The Falcons are hoping Campbell can be a valuable addition to their defense, which struggled in 2022. According to Pro Football Focus, the Falcons had the second-worst pass rush unit and the 12th-worst run defense in the league last season.

Campbell's veteran presence and flexibility on the defensive line will provide a boost to the Falcons as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Campbell joins several other free-agent additions to the Falcons' defense, including David Onyemata, Joe Gaziano, and Amani Bledsoe. Photo Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports