PFF’s free agent the Falcons can’t afford to lose

With the coaching staff nearing completion under Raheem Morris, the Falcons are almost ready to kickoff the next phase of the offseason.

Before the draft and free agency, Terry Fontenot and the front office will work with the staff to assess the roster and decide on A.J. Terrell’s contract extension, Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option, and the impending free agents.

Terrell seems primed to be extended unless he’s included in some blockbuster trade for one of the top three draft picks. I’d also include Pitts’ fifth-year option in the same category. For the Falcons soon-to-be free agents, the new staff will have a bigger say in those decisions.

Depending on the scheme and nuances of Jimmy Lake’s defense and Zac Robinson’s offense, some will be brought back and others will be let go to test free agency. Jeff Okudah looked good before going down with an injury and struggled mightily when he returned. Bud Dupree led the defense with 6.5 sacks and should be considered an option to return to Atlanta if the Falcons can’t upgrade the position.

Scotty Miller is an intriguing candidate to be re-signed. In Robinson’s system, his ability to take the top off the defense could prove useful in ways it wasn’t for Arthur Smith. Kentavius Street provided valuable depth after he was acquired via trade, and the defensive line can always use capable bodies.

However, there’s one impending free agent that stands above the rest. One that the Falcons have to prioritize. Calais Campbell was ESPN’s free agent that Atlanta needed to sign the most, and he’s also PFF’s free agent the Falcons can’t afford to lose.

Atlanta recruited the ageless Calais Campbell over from the Baltimore Ravens last offseason, and despite the departure of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta should work to keep Campbell in the fold.

Campbell’s 9.2% run-stop rate was one of the top marks across the league in 2023, and an anchor along the defensive line as the Falcons continue to add talent across the unit would provide a solid foundation, especially as Grady Jarrett recovers from an injury.

Campbell also led the Falcons with 6.5 sacks and proved to be one of the most valuable defenders on the team last year. There’s a chance he retires or follows Ryan Nielsen to Jacksonville, but if he’s interested in returning to Atlanta to play under Raheem Morris, the Falcons shouldn’t hesitate to hand him a similar one-year deal as they did last offseason.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire