The Falcons didn’t watch many impactful players leave in free agency, but there was one that every fan wanted back — Calais Campbell.
The 37-year-old led the Falcons with 6.5 sacks in his 16th season while also crossing the 100-sack threshold for his career. The veteran finished with 56 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits along with those 6.5 sacks.
Campbell very clearly still has some left in the tank and seemingly has a standing offer from the Falcons because Raheem Morris confirmed as much at the owner’s meetings in Orlando.
“I talked to him about what my vision was and where it could potentially go. I’ll let him tell you what he’s going to do. I look forward to getting a chance to sit in front of him because he’s certainly as impressive as it gets,” Morris said.
However, there have been several notable developments that suggest the door for a potential return has closed. First, the Falcons drafted three defensive linemen, versatile ones that can play up and down the line of scrimmage like Calais Campbell.
Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Bralen Trice likely aren’t going to replicate Campbell’s production individually, but hopefully, they can do it collectively.
The second and maybe more important development that leads me to believe a Calais Campbell return to the Falcons is improbable — Kentavius Street took #93.
Atlanta Falcons DL Kentavius Street (@SupaStreet35) is now wearing number 93. Last assigned to Calais Campbell. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/ubYXcZCWd0
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 21, 2024
I am halfway joking, but it does seem the Falcons are heading deeper into the offseason with a clear idea of who they will have in the building. If you’re an optimist and enjoy getting your hopes up, Jessie Bates did allude to Terry Fontenot not being done adding to the Falcons roster.
Take that for what you will, but my gut tells me that Calais Campbell’s retirement is coming soon.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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