Terry Fontenot of the Falcons is ‘eager’ for Calais Campbell to return.
Calais Campbell, an experienced defensive end, is nearing the conclusion of his career and is already contemplating retirement, but the Atlanta Falcons have expressed their desire for him to return in 2024.
This past season, despite being 37 years old, Calais Campbell made a significant contribution to the Atlanta Falcons.
The defensive end, a member of the 2010 NFL All-Decade squad, led the team in sacks with 6.5 in his 16th season in the league after signing a one-year contract with the Falcons last offseason. It goes without saying that the Falcons would prefer to have Campbell back given that he demonstrated his ability to play even near the end of his career, as retirement approaches.
About the Falcons’ interest in him if he chooses not to retire, Campbell stated via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. “The last time I talked to Terry [Fontenot], he told me to let him know when I know,” Campbell said. “He was obviously excited to have me back if I wanted to play football, but he would also show me respect.”
Campbell was a part of their last offseason spending binge, in which they signed veteran, ready-made defensive players with over $60 million in salary space. The Falcons also signed safety Jessie Bates, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and defensive end Bud Dupree in addition to Campbell.
These all contributed significantly to the Falcons’ defense during the previous campaign. Even though Campbell didn’t have his finest season with 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits, the Falcons still need all the assistance they can get in the pass rush area.
With just 21 sacks overall, they ended at the bottom of the league in 2022. However, with the help of free agents, they doubled that total the previous season, totaling 42 sacks.
Therefore, even though Campbell hasn’t decided if he’ll play for a 17th season, the Falcons are aware of what would happen if the 37-year-old did decide to play again.
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QB is “a top priority for us this offseason,” according to Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot.
The hiring of Raheem Morris as head coach is not expected to be the only development in Atlanta during the forthcoming season.
Terry Fontenot is getting ready for the official start of free agency on March 13 and the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The general manager of the Falcons stated that the team will focus on the quarterback position during the 2024 offseason during an appearance on The NFL Report last week.
What path Atlanta chooses toward that possible upgrade is the one unanswered question.
“That’s a top priority for us this offseason, and it’s exciting,” Fontenot said to James Palmer and Steve Wyche of NFL Network. “Once more, we have a lot of really smart people in the building, including not only those who have been inside but also those who have been outside of it, such as Raheem Morris, Zac Robinson, the offensive coordinator, T.J. Yates, assistant coach Ken Zampese, and assistant QBs coach DJ Williams.
Since we’ll be spending a lot of time together, let’s approach it strategically. We will not close any doors regarding the draft, free agency, or trades. We’ll make sure to have an open mind in that regard and we’re
