The Falcons’ spending spree continues as Atlanta adds six-time Pro Bowl de la Calais Campbell on a one-year deal to the league’s 27th-ranked defense
The Atlanta Falcons made another major signing, adding Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Contract details weren’t released, but the 6-foot-8, 307-pound Campbell should give Atlanta a diverse, veteran presence who commands respect as Atlanta’s team captain.
Campbell has been among the most productive defensive ends in football since he was recruited from 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 the age of 36, He had 5.5 sacks in 14 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022.
Falcons spokesmen did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation.
The Falcons will use multiple defensive fronts this season, Ryan Nielsen, Atlanta’s new defensive coordinator, previously said, which may help explain the addition of Campbell — a hulking 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 match against the Jaguars at Tia Bank Stadium
The Falcons finished 27th in defense last season under former coordinator Dean Pease.
It’s hard that Campbell was the Falcons’ only off-season move.
Heading into a 7-10 season, head coach Arthur Smith’s squad has already added safety Jesse Bates in a four-year, $64 million deal, as well as cornerback and former first-round pick Mike Hughes to help replace the late Isaiah Oliver, who signed with San Francisco.
The Falcons also added former Saints teammates Caden Ellis and line back David Onimata on three-year deals.
On offense, Atlanta locked up Pro Bowl guard Chris Lidstrom to a five-year, $105 million deal, traded for tight end Jono Smith, and signed veteran quarterback Taylor Hynecke to a two-year, $20 million deal.
Heinicke will play behind starter Desmond Ridder.
“Yeah, they put it high last year for a reason,” Heinicke said earlier this month to Cincinnati’s third-round draft pick. They believe in it for a reason. Showed some good movies last year. Again, if something unfortunate were to happen to him I’d be ready to go.
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith speaks at NFL league meetings in Phoenix
