Falcons Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; General view of a Atlanta Falcons helmet during warm ups against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
NFLBy Sam Neumann on

The Atlanta Falcons are building something that veteran players around the league want to become a part of. That became increasingly clear on Wednesday morning when the team reportedly made another splash and signed an All-Pro defensive end to a one-year deal.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report that former Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell intended to sign with Atlanta.

“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,” Rapoport tweeted early Wednesday morning.

Prior to reaching his decision, Campbell had a 40-minute phone call with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, according to Rapoport. The two sides reportedly discussed various topics, including leadership, charitable efforts and how Campbell thrives in the community.

“That non-football call helped seal it,” tweeted Rapoport.

The 36-year-old Campbell became a free agent after the Ravens released him earlier this month. He was scheduled to meet with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets this week, but clearly already had his sights set on joining the Falcons in the NFC South, buying into the vision set forth by head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot.

“The Jets made a strong offer as well. It really came down to where I felt like I could have the biggest impact both on & off the field,” Campbell told CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson on why he chose to sign with the Falcons a day before a scheduled visit with the Jets.

Campbell had been with Baltimore since 2020 after the Ravens acquired him in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his career, Campbell split time between the Ravens, Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals. He was named a first-team All-Pro selection in 2017, and has received six Pro Bowl nods over the course of his career.

Playing in 14 games in 2022, Campbell recorded 36 total tackles (4 for loss) with two forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks.

The NFL world reacted to the huge news after it broke.

[Ian Rapoport, Josina Anderson]

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.

View all posts by Sam Neumann