Falcons’ spending spree continues as Atlanta ‘adds DL Calais Campbell on one-year deal’

The Atlanta Falcons have made another big signing, adding Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Contract details have not been released, but the 6-foot-8, 307-pound Campbell should give Atlanta a versatile, veteran presence who was respected as the team leader in Atlanta.

A six-time Pro Bowler, Campbell has been among the most productive defensive ends in football since the Arizona Cardinals drafted him from Miami in 2008. He led the NFL in sacks in 2017 with 14.5 as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and even at 36, he had 5.5 sacks in 14 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022.

A Falcons spokesperson declined to confirm the report at this time.

Ryan Nielsen, Atlanta’s new defensive coordinator, previously said the Falcons will use multiple defensive fronts this season, which may help explain the addition of Campbell, a great athlete capable of playing defensive tackle in a four-man front or as a defensive tackle. defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

The Falcons were 27th on defense last season under former coordinator Dean Pees.

Campbell isn’t the Falcons’ only offseason move.

Coming off a 7-10 season, coach Arthur Smith’s team has already added safety Jessie Bates to a four-year, $64 million deal, as well as cornerback and former first-round pick Mike Hughes to help fill in for the deceased. Isaiah Oliver, who signed with San Francisco.

The Falcons also added former Saints teammates linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive lineman David Onyemata to three-year deals.

On offense, Atlanta signed Pro Bowl guard Chris Lidstrom to a five-year, $105 million deal, traded for tight end Jonnu Smith, and signed veteran backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year, $20 deal. millions.

Heinicke will play behind starter Desmond Ridder.

“Yeah, they drafted him high last year for a reason,” Heinicke said earlier this month of Cincinnati’s third-round draft pick. ‘They believe in him for a reason. He showed a good movie last year. Once again, if something unfortunate happens to you, I’ll be ready to go.