How Will Calais Campbell Improve Falcons' Defense?

What contributions should the Atlanta Falcons expect from decorated veteran free agent addition Calais Campbell as the defensive end enters the twilight of his career?

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran defensive end Calais Campbell this offseason, but at age 36, what contributions should the team realistically expect from the former first-team All-Pro?

It's been more than five seasons since Campbell had more than 10 sacks, but considering how much Atlanta struggled to sack quarterbacks, it's no surprise that NFL.com still believes his impact will pay dividends for the team next season.

"After ranking 31st with just 21 sacks last season, the Falcons clearly need to get to the quarterback at a higher rate. Campbell can still help in that department (he was good for 5.5 sacks in 14 games with the Ravens last season) -- but what the 36-year-old veteran signee brings to the locker room and sideline might be more impactful than anything he does on the field," NFL.com writes. "Calais needs to go out there and perform, but the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year seems to be exactly the kind of personality who can help a team that has finished no higher than third in the NFC South over the past three seasons take the next step forward in its growth."

In boxing, it's often said that power is the last thing to leave a fighter. Perhaps in the NFL, the same could be said about leadership. 

At this stage in his career, Campbell shouldn't be expected to compete for a Defensive Player of The Year award as he did in 2017 when he had 14.5 sacks and finished just six votes behind the winner, an NFL all-time defensive great Aaron Donald, but that doesn't mean he isn't valuable.

With 99 sacks in his career, Campbell ranks fifth in career sacks totaled amongst active rostered players and will, in all likelihood, surpass 100 career sacks in Atlanta this season. 

Despite undeniably being one of the most decorated pass rushers to ever suit up in a Falcons uniform, regardless of his individual success this year, what the former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner provides in Atlanta's locker room will help establish a strong foundation for the team's defense going forward.

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