As the dust begins to settle from the Falcons’ 48-17 loss to the Saints, fans are wondering what the future holds for this Atlanta team. Will head coach Arthur Smith be retained? What about 37-year-old defensive lineman Calais Campbell?
While we don’t know what Smith’s future holds, it sounds like Campbell may not be ready to hang up his jersey just yet. The veteran defensive lineman is still playing at a high level, finishing the season with 56 tackles (32 solo) and 6.5 sacks.
“I don’t think this was my last game,” Campbell said after Sunday’s loss to the Saints, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic:
Calais Campbell: "I don't think this was my last game.,"
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) January 7, 2024
Campbell signed a one-year deal in Atlanta over the offseason but has been hesitant to say whether or not this season would be his last. On Sunday, Campbell came up with another sack and has been a durable and versatile piece for this Falcons defense.
Whatever happens, Campbell made sure to voice his support for Arthur Smith and the rest of the Falcons coaching staff to return, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
Falcons DL Calais Campbell on Arthur Smith: "I hope they come back. Honestly."
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 7, 2024