NFL Rumors: Calais Campbell to Visit Falcons in Free Agency After Ravens Release

The Atlanta Falcons are “planning to host” veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell this week on a free-agent visit, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The Baltimore Ravens released Campbell last week.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said at the time of Campbell’s release:

“Calais defines what it is to be a Raven. He personifies professionalism, and his contributions to our organization – both on and off the field – are immense. With his passion, leadership and toughness, Calais has undoubtedly produced a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

“While this is the worst part of the business, we have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning to our team in the future.”

The move saved Baltimore $7 million in salary-cap space.

Campbell, 36, is a six-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro. He has posted seven seasons with seven or more sacks and two years with double-digit sacks. In 2022, he accumulated 36 tackles (four for loss), 5.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles in 14 games.

It was the most sacks he posted in three seasons with the Ravens. Previous stops included the Arizona Cardinals (2008-16) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-19). From 2009 to 2019, he never posted fewer than five sacks in a season.

As for the Falcons, Campbell would make sense as a defensive end in what seems likely to be a hybrid 3-4 and 4-3 scheme under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Head coach Arthur Smith told reporters in January:

“You can say that you’re 3-4, but you’ve got to think of how many different front variations there are. A lot of the game you’re playing spread out in 11, whether you’re a true 4-3 or 3-4, you’re playing a lot of four down fronts. So, whether you have the hybrid guys that we do or outside linebackers that are essentially defensive ends in four down fronts, that kind of gets overstated sometimes. Structurally, it’s really about being flexible.”

Campbell would give the team more optionality and experience as the Falcons work to end a five-year streak of losing seasons.