Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly was a major influence in the team being able to sign six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell in NFL free agency.
The Atlanta Falcons are a young team with some solid pieces and hopes to contend for a playoff spot in 2023. In year two under head coach Arthur Smith, the team had one of the more formidable rushing attacks in the league and saw first-round pick Drake London grow into a key part of their developing pass game.
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With second-year man, Desmond Ridder, expected to start at QB in 2023, the team is in need of some locker-room leadership and more impact pieces on defense. On Wednesday, they made a signing that should help both of those problems when they agreed to a contract with free agent defensive end Calais Campbell.
Atlanta Falcons record (2022): 7-10
The 15-year veteran is likely in the final years of his career, but his reputation as a leader is well respected throughout the NFL and it was one of the main reasons the organization targeted him in NFL free agency after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens earlier this month.
However, several teams were interested in the future Hall-of-Famer. Yet, what sealed the deal for Campbell was reportedly a very long phone conversation with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
Following the news of his signing, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported that “Calais Campbell had a 40-minute phone call with owner Arthur Blank and the two discussed leadership, charitable efforts, and how Campbell thrives in the community. That non-football call helped seal it.”
Campbell is at a point in his career where he is likely to only make a limited impact on the field, however, the one-time Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner could be very influential in helping to build a professional and winning culture long-term in the Atlanta Falcons young locker room.