Falcons' Terry Fontenot 'Eager' for Calais Campbell's Return

Despite being at the tail-end of his career as he is already considering retirement, the Atlanta Falcons have made it known they'd like to see veteran defensive end Calais Campbell return in 2024.

Even at 37 years old, Calais Campbell was an impact player for the Atlanta Falcons this past season. 

After signing with the Falcons last offseason on a one-year deal, the defensive end, who is a member of the 2010s NFL All-Decade team, led the team in sacks with 6.5 in his 16th season in the league. Even at the tail-end of his career, as retirement looms, Campbell proved he can still play, which makes it a no-brainer that the Falcons would like to have him back. 

"The last time I talked to Terry [Fontenot], he told me to let him know when I know," Campbell said Wednesday via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the Falcons' interest in him if he decides against retiring. "He was definitely eager to get me back if I want to play football again, but he was going to respect my process and let me go through it the way I go through it."

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles away from Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) in the first half at Soldier Field.  / Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Campbell was part of last offseason's spending splurge that saw them utilize their over $60 million in available cap space to sign veteran, ready-made contributors defensively. Alongside Campbell, the Falcons signed fellow defensive end Bud Dupree, defensive tackle David Onyemata, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, and safety Jessie Bates.

All of whom played a big role in the Falcons' defense this past season. And while Campbell's 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits aren't the best of his career, the Falcons still need all the help they can get in the pass rush department. 

After ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks in 2022, as they finished with just 21 total, their free-agent reinforcement improved as they helped the Falcons double the number of sacks with 42 last season. 

So, while Campbell has yet to decide on whether he'll play for a 17th season, the Falcons already know what the future would hold if the 37-year-old does indeed make his return.