NFL Free Agency: Veteran Calais Campbell signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons

Two weeks after receiving his release from the Baltimore Ravens, NFL veteran Calais Campbell has a new deal. He reportedly signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Per Rapoport, the 15th-year defensive tackle had multiple opportunities but a phone call with the Falcons leadership sealed the deal.

“Prior to reaching his decision, Calais Campbell had a 40-minute phone call with owner Arthur Blank and the two discussed leadership, charitable efforts, and how Campbell thrives in the community.
Rapoport shared. “That non-football call helped seal it.”

The specifics of Campbell’s contract with the Falcons are still under wraps. His release from the Ravens cleared $6.5 million in 2023 cap space for his former squad. He originally signed a deal last April for two years, $12.5 million.

Following his release, Campbell was free to sign with any team. Even the Ravens didn’t rule out bringing him back. Regardless, the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year winner is now headed to Atlanta.

Calais Campbell joined the Ravens in 2020, having previously played for Jacksonville and Arizona. During his time in Baltimore, he had 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. After 15 years in the league, Campbell has racked up 809 tackles, 99 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, three interceptions and 105 tackles for loss.

A standout at Miami, Campbell went No. 50 overall in the second-round of the 2008 NFL Draft to the Cardinals. He’s earned six Pro Bowl selections since then and earned three All-Pro awards.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially ran out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7.

The legal negotiation period spanned from March 13 through March 15. The new year marked the beginning of all trades going official per the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. There were 722 players due to hit free agency in 2023.