Falcons Cancel Calais Campbell's Scheduled Jets' Visit

Atlanta reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the free agent defensive lineman, who was being targeted by Gang Green

So, maybe Calais Campbell isn’t visiting the New York Jets after all.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the veteran free agent defensive lineman will sign a one-year deal to join the Atlanta Falcons for what will be his 16th professional season.

While speaking at the NFL Owners’ Meetings on Monday, Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas confirmed that Gang Green had an official free agent visit scheduled with Campbell for Thursday.

“I can confirm Calais is going to be coming in for a visit,” said Douglas. “He’s going to travel in Wednesday, visit us on Thursday. Excited to have him come and visit with our staff.”

Apparently, the Falcons weren’t willing to let that happen and snatched the 6-foot-8 Campbell off the free agent market early Wednesday morning.

Campbell, who has made 99.0 sacks over 227 career games, played the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2019, he won the prestigious NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Losing out on the six-time Pro Bowl selection means Douglas and Co. must look elsewhere for defensive line help.

While negotiations continue with All Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on a contract extension, the Jets have already lost interior lineman Sheldon Rankins to the Houston Texans in free agency.

Of course, the Draft is always an option. New York currently holds three top-45 selections, including the No. 13 overall pick.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.