The football climate in the Maryland area is pretty sombre this week. After Lamar Jackson came clean about his trade request from the Ravens this week, the Baltimore flock received another blow today. 6x Pro Bowler and veteran defensive star, Calais Campbell is off to Georgia.

The Baltimore Ravens released the trusted defensive end on March 13 after three years in purple and black, according to the reports from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. However, it wasn’t just Campbell’s on-field accomplishment that made him such a perfect fit for the struggling Atlanta Falcons.

Calais Campbell joins the Falcons for a year

For his sixteenth year in the National Football League, 37-year-old Calais Campbell will don The Dirty Birds’ Red this upcoming 2023 season. After playing for the Arizona Cardinals and the Jacksonville Jaguars before coming to Baltimore, the DE now joins a young Falcons locker room on a one-year deal.

ALSO READ: “You’ll See Me Again”: Emotional Lamar Jackson Announces Future Plans as Fans Kickstart Donation Drive

The Atlanta Falcons can definitely use the talent and experience that Campbell brings with him. In his 227 career starts, Calais has put up 99 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 809 combined tackles, and 3 interceptions. Atlanta has consistently failed on the defensive side, compared to their ground-and-pound offense, ranking 24th among other teams in points allowed over the last five years and 26th in yards surrendered. However, Campbell’s addition surely puts them on the NFC South map.

Surely, Calais will add more depth to a side that has already splashed this off-season. The Falcons brought in safety Jessie Bates and another defensive lineman, David Onyemata.

Where does the Lamar Jackson episode stand?

Besides Calais’ on-field dominance, his connection to the community will also strengthen his position in the locker room. The former Walter Payton Man of the Year even had a forty-minute discussion with Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank, about the future endeavors he wants to be associated with. And that phone call was crucial in sealing the deal for Atlanta and Campbell, according to Rapoport.

However, the big news at the moment remains his former quarterback, Lamar Jackson. After upsetting fans across the state with his trade demand news, the 2019 NFL MVP came out with a few more explosive tweets today. “I don’t remember me sitting out on my guys from week 1 vs Jets to week 12 vs Broncos. How come all of a sudden I sit out because of money in which I could’ve got hurt at any time within that time frame,” LJ said, taking a shot at the Ravens.

WATCH THIS STORY: Richard Sherman attacks Patrick Mahomes amidst Lamar Jackson contract issues

The New England Patriots have already exited the race to land the Heisman-winning quarterback. The only remaining options for Action Jackson? It’s either the Indianapolis Colts or playing under the non-exclusive franchise tag for one more year for the Purple Rain. If he stays, he stands to make $32.416 million instead of the $45 he would have earned from an exclusive tag. The Ravens cleared the cap room they needed and even had meetings with Odell Beckham Jr. recently. Guess the fans have an idea where all the Lamar money is going!