Longtime Veteran May Sign with NFC Contender

Longtime veteran and former Atlanta Falcon defensive end, Calais Campbell may sign with NFC contender the Dallas Cowboys before the 2024 NFL season. The veteran said he is open to returning to play in his 17th season in the league. Campbell is entering 37, playing his entire 2023 campaign with the Falcons on a one-year deal. The New Falcons head coach, Raheem Morris said he spoke to the veteran about the possibility of a return, but there hasn’t been any movement of making it happen.

According to a source, many reports are urging the Cowboys to sign the future Hall of Famer to reinforce their defensive line woes. Campbell started all 17 games with the Falcons, playing 63% of defensive snaps and 30% of special teams snaps. The Miami product finished the year with 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits along with one pass defended. It has been a rocky offseason for the Dallas Cowboys too so it makes sense this move would give both sides a break.

The Cowboys are getting younger again this offseason after having an average NFL Draft and a quiet free agency. This means that adding a proven talent like Campbell could help the team. It doesn’t get much older than Campbell who’s entering as one of the oldest players in the league. However, his presence would be crucial for a young group among Mazi Smith, Chauncey Golston and Marshawn Kneeland.

This would happen if he gets interest from the Cowboys this training camp after seeing the first few reps out of the group. If they’re not intrigued, they could call Campbell for his services. There could be a mutual interest and would pry him away from the Falcons that are open to his return.

Longtime Veteran Calais Campbell May Sign with NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys

The Team needs more depth

According to one source, they are tabbing Campbell as the final roster move the Dallas Cowboys should make to complete it. He isn’t the same player but he has enough gas left in the tank to help the Cowboys’ defensive front. Dallas is still thin at the interior of their defensive line so the veteran’s addition would help. He’s still a great run defender and would be a great mentor to the young guys.

The Miami product will arguably as one of the greatest pass rushers of all time even if he doesn’t decide to play anymore today. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and was the Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year for 2017. Campbell has 105.5 career sacks which is the 48th all-time and is one of 64 players in NFL history to log more than 100 sacks. The Cowboys already have some talent on the defensive with Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.

However, the pressure is on for Mazi Smith at nose tackle after his lackluster season last year. Campbell’s addition could help Smith rotate the defensive line as a rotational piece. This could relieve some stress from Smith as a defensive tackle is the biggest need for America’s team. Here are other possible destinations for Campbell.

Possible Destinations

The Chargers are one destination under the new era of Jim Harbaugh. Los Angeles wants to build a team that’s physical and can run the ball well. They have three reliable defenders in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu but need help at defensive tackle. Campbell could be a good addition to keep the Chargers in the AFC competition.

Another team that needs help at the position is the Baltimore Ravens. They may have Justin Madubuike but the rest of the line needs assistance. After losing Jadeveon Clowney, adding Campbell as a reliable veteran rotational piece could make this defense more experienced. The Saints could use some help after adding Chase Young as a high-risk, high-reward pass rusher.

However, they need some stability at their edge and defensive tackle position.