Former Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell’s remarkable NFL career may finally be coming to an end after the 2026 season. The 39-year-old signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency but told local reporters that he will likely retire after the season.
Campbell has made six Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team over his 18-year NFL career, putting together a legitimate Hall of Fame resume due to his consistency and longevity.
While Campbell’s 19th season will likely be his last, the veteran defensive lineman is still playing at a high level. On Tuesday, Campbell said he hasn’t ruled anything out but is planning for 2026 to be his last year.
“I always tell myself to play well enough to be able to get a job again if I want to,” Campbell explained. “If I go out there and perform to the level I want to play, I’m probably going to have to turn somebody down next year. That’s the ideal scenario. As of right now, I’m playing this year as if it’s my last year.”
The Falcons signed Campbell as a free agent back in 2023, and he went on to appear in all 17 games. Campbell recorded 56 tackles (32 solo), 17 QB hits and six sacks during his lone season in Atlanta.
Since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2008, Campbell has appeared in 278 games and racked up 117 sacks, 196 tackles for loss and 282 QB hits.
Campbell has a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with the Ravens this season, something that he’s rarely done over the last two decades. If he continues to play well, Campbell will almost certainly have offers to play in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons DL Calais Campbell to retire after 2026 NFL season
