Calais Campbell Leaves Ravens, Signs with Falcons in Free Agency - Why?

Despite being interested in a reunion, the Baltimore Ravens officially lost defensive lineman Calais Campbell in free agency Tuesday, as he signed with the Atlanta Falcons due to several factors both on and off the field.

After three years together, the Baltimore Ravens moved on from defensive lineman Calais Campbell earlier this offseason - but left the door open for a potential reunion.

However, that idea came crashing down Wednesday, when Campbell signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, officially bringing his stint in Baltimore to a close.

But - why?

"It really came down to where I felt like I could have the biggest impact both on and off the field." Campbell told ESPN.

The 36-year-old Campbell started all 14 games in which he played this past season, recording five and a half sacks, four tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits.

Beyond the numbers, Campbell was an integral part of Baltimore's locker room; the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year winner was viewed as an outstanding leader and overall culture piece.

But now, he's off to the Falcons, who are coming off consecutive 7-10 seasons ... but have been active in free agency and appear to have sold Campbell on the point of winning.

Per ESPN, Campbell chose the Falcons because he "believes in what they are trying to do (and) feels like with this roster, they have a chance to surprise some people this season."

Campbell also had visits lined up with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets but was swayed by the Falcons' recruiting efforts - which also featured a 40-minute phone call with owner Arthur Blank.

And so, while the Ravens held interest in retaining Campbell, it doesn't seem as if the timing was right ... leaving Baltimore was a 6-8, 300-pound-sized hole on its defensive line and in its locker room.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter at @DFlickDraft

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