Free agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell has struggled to find a suitor on the open market despite a strong 2023. After signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, the former All-Pro finished the season with 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 17 quarterback hits, and an 80.0 PFF grade. These are all impressive numbers and show that, despite entering his age-38 season, he can still play at a high level.
With the 2024 NFL Draft just over two weeks away, the defensive lineman might have to wait until May to sign a new contract. However, the free agent has at least one potential suitor, as first-year Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he’d welcome back Calais Campbell with open arms.
“I look forward to get[ting] a chance to sit in front of him because he’s certainly as impressive as it gets when it comes to football character,” Morris said. “He’s had as an impressive a career that you can have…I’m looking [forward] to discussing that in further detail with him at a later date.”
Free Agent Calais Campbell Could Re-Sign With Falcons
This quote implies that Raheem Morris has not yet spoken with free agent Calais Campbell about returning for the 2024 season. This is surprising, as Campbell was one of the strongest parts of the Falcons defense last year. Even though Morris wasn’t a part of the team, he should realize what the four-time Pro Bowler can bring to the table.
With veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins under contract, the Falcons are officially all-in for the next four years. While the organization has a reliable young core that should perform well throughout the Kirk Cousins Era, free agent Calais Campbell probably doesn’t have four more years in his tank. With that being said, he can be a great short-term option for at least the 2024 season.
The Falcons might be the only team to outwardly express interest in Calais Campbell, but he should have other free agent suitors. While he probably won’t sign before the NFL Draft, the following five teams could bring him in if they miss out on their preferred prospects.
Other Potential Fits
Los Angeles Rams
No human being on Earth can do what Aaron Donald can, so the Rams will never be able to find a true 1:1 replacement for the future Hall of Famer. However, Calais Campbell can help minimize the impact of his departure if signed as a free agent. While he spent the 2023 season split between defensive tackle and the edge, Campbell is more than capable of playing a three-down role on the interior. With the Rams trying to maximize the final years of the Matthew Stafford Era, the four-time Pro Bowler would be a great short-term fix for this defense.
New Orleans Saints
Bryan Bresee showed some promise as a rookie, but the Saints could use another defensive tackle. After facing off against Calais Campbell twice last year, this team should know exactly what the free agent brings to a defense. Campbell can help shore up the defensive tackle position and can also slide out wide if Chase Young doesn’t return to form early in the season.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens lost just about everybody except for Justin Madubuike in free agency. While the 13-sack star can hold down the defensive interior, this team must find someone to replace Jadeveon Clowney on the edge. Calais Campbell is the ideal cost-effective free agent signing, and head coach John Harbaugh already knows how to properly utilize him.
Miami Dolphins
The cash-strapped Miami Dolphins had to watch several key players leave in free agency, but no player leaves a bigger hole than Christian Wilkins. The former first-round pick was arguably Miami’s best defensive lineman and Calais Campbell can help replace him as a free agent. With the Buffalo Bills weaker than ever, now is the time for Miami to go all-in and host their first playoff game since 2008.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes in the power of the run game. While the Chargers have a reliable trio of edge defenders, they could use some help between the tackles. Los Angeles spent the entirety of the Brandon Staley Era trying to find a player capable of eating up space in the middle of the field, and Calais Campbell can do that as a free agent. While this roster needs some work, this team will have a chance to compete as long as Justin Herbert stays healthy.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
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