Former Ravens DL Calais Campbell Signs With Falcons

After being cut by the Baltimore Ravens as a salary cap casualty early this offseason, defensive lineman Calais Campbell appears to have found a new home in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Baltimore Ravens cut defensive end Calais Campbell earlier this offseason saving the club $7 million, making the Ravens cap-compliant. And it was discussed at the time that the club might bring Campbell back on a lesser deal.

However, his time in Baltimore is officially over.

Per NFL Network, the Atlanta Falcons are set to sign Calais Campbell to a one-year contract.

Campbell, who visited the Jacksonville Jaguars among other teams, “bought in to” and “believes in” the vision of Falcons coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot.

But what ultimately sealed the deal for Campbell was a 40-minute phone call with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, centered more about “non-football” things such as leadership, charitable impact and work within the community, according to NFL Network.

The incentive for him to return? Among other things …

Campbell is one sack away from amassing 100 for his career, a significant milestone.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t," Campbell said of including that number in his retirement thoughts. "I had plenty of opportunities to get it this year and didn’t get it done. So, sometimes it’s like, ‘Well, man, it wasn’t that important to you because you didn’t get it done.’ I had the guy in my arms a couple of times, and just missed him.

"So, it’s not the top of the list, but it’s something I really want.”

Campbell is a six-time Pro Bowler and finished last season with 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback hits over 14 games.

He considered retirement last year but he decided to return for a shot at a Lombardi Trophy. Now that shot will have to come in Atlanta.

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