The Atlanta Falcons entered free agency with second most cap space in the NFL. And as expected they have been busy ever since legal tampering started. The Falcons have most notably signed Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata, Jonnu Smith, Kaden Elliss, Mike Hughes, Taylor Heinicke, Mack Hollins, and most recently Scotty Miller.
Also, the Falcons reached a contract extension with Chris Lindstrom and re-signed Kaleb McGary this offseason as well. Wednesday morning Ian Rapoport reported that veteran defensive lineman, Pro Bowler, and former Walter Payton Man of the Year, Calais Campbell intends to sign a one-year deal with the Falcons. The Morning Shift gave their instant reactions as the news broke.
Even at 36 years old, Campbell was still productive for the Baltimore Ravens last year. The veteran finished his 2022 campaign playing in 14 games, racking up 5.5 sacks, making four tackles for loss, deflecting two passes, forcing two fumbles, and hitting opposing quarterbacks 14 times.
Campbell’s ability to bring in veteran leadership along with on-field production is the reason Beau Morgan loves the signing.
“Calais Campbell, what he brings not only on the field and off the field, you guys love his leadership," said Morgan. "I love his leadership as well, but he can play and young guys can watch a guy like that practice and see good work ethic, good little tricks of the trade.”
While Mike Johnson likes the other signings the Falcons have made so far this offseason, he believes the Falcons hadn’t yet signed that leadership piece until the signing of Campbell this morning.
“The guy has been in the league 15-plus years now and has done an incredible job as a leader, been a captain on almost every team he’s been on,” said the former Falcons lineman.
Tiffany Blackmon piggy-backed off of Mike and Beau and talked about the possibility of Campbell being able to mentor a young defensive lineman if the Falcons choose to go that route in the NFL draft, and Campbell being able to elevate the play of Grady Jarrett as well.
“Maybe they do go defensive line in the draft," said Blackmon. "You’ve got a veteran presence there that can help guide a young player like that. I do think it helps to elevate Grady’s game as well.”
Between veteran leadership, production, and depth Campbell is bringing so many good things to this Falcons football team. And the fact that such a decorated and accomplished veteran chose to come to Atlanta and chose to play with the Falcons this year shows not only what direction this football team is headed in, but also shows what players around the league think of Arthur Smith, Terry Fontenot, Arthur Blank, and the potential of this young team.