NFL writer connects former All-Pro defensive lineman with 49ers in free agency

The San Francisco 49ers won’t have many opportunities to add to their roster this offseason, as they are tight against the salary cap heading into free agency.

However, the 49ers have a great front office, so it would be no surprise if they are able to get creative and bring in some good fits.

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports sees a great potential pickup for San Francisco: Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell.

Campbell just completed his 16th NFL season and is still productive, having played in every game while registering 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2023.

The 37-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Miami, was originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Campbell spent the first nine years of his career with the Cardinals but did not begin to get recognition until 2014, when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance after posting 58 tackles, seven sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He made his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl the following year, but Campbell didn’t really break out until joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017.

In his first season with the Jaguars, Campbell racked up 67 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown en route to a Pro Bowl nod and a First-Team All-Pro selection. He would then proceed to tally 72 tackles and 10.5 sacks the next year.

Between 2017 and 2020, Campbell made four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, with the last trip coming with the Baltimore Ravens.

He spent three years with the Ravens between 2020 and 2022 before linking up with the Falcons last spring.

Campbell would certainly be a fine addition to the Niners’ defensive line rotation and would be able to stay fresh all season long in his ripe old age.