Did Calais Campbell just hint at a return to Falcons?

The Falcons will be active this offseason.

The team will be in the market for a quarterback most importantly. No stone should be left unturned when it comes to finding a signal caller. However, the rest of the roster isn’t infallible.

It’s in a good state, but not a great one. The Falcons could use another couple of wide receivers to pair with Drake London. A cornerback opposite of A.J. Terrell could also be considered a pressing need if the Falcons don’t see Clark Phillips or Mike Hughes as viable options.

As always, a dominant pass rusher off the edge would be a great addition. Along the trenches in general, the Falcons could use more bodies. With very few impending free agents, the club does have one priority — Calais Campbell.

The 37-year-old led the Falcons with 6.5 sacks in his 16th season while also crossing the 100-sack threshold. As he mulls over retirement, Terry Fontenot has made it well known to Campbell that the Falcons would love to have him back in Atlanta.

“The last time I talked to Terry [Fontenot], he told me to let him know when I know,” Campbell said earlier in the week via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the Falcons’ interest in him if he decides against retiring. “He was definitely eager to get me back if I want to play football again, but he was going to respect my process and let me go through it the way I go through it.”

Campbell finished with 56 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits along with those 6.5 sacks. He’s very clearly still got some left in the tank and seemingly has a standing offer from the Falcons.

Despite Arthur Smith coaching in Pittsburgh and Ryan Nielsen in Jacksonville, it seems very possible the Falcons re-sign Calais Campbell if he chooses to return to football. Raheem Morris has been heralded for his ability to connect to players; everyone loves playing for Atlanta’s new head coach, so that will certainly play a factor in Campbell’s decision.

Moreover, Grady Jarrett could do his best recruiting pitch given his familiarity with Morris. If Campbell plays, you have to think the Falcons are heavy favorites to sign him.