Packers Nearing Deal With Former Pro Bowler to Address Defensive Line Struggles in Disrupting QBs

Jul 19, 2025

Green Bay, WI – July 19, 2025

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly close to finalizing a deal with former Pro Bowler Calais Campbell, sources tell ESPN, as the team seeks to bolster its defensive line’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks ahead of training camp. With camp set to open on July 22 at the Don Hutson Center, this move could be a pivotal upgrade for a unit that ranked 18th in pressure rate (21.9%) and tied for 10th in sacks (43) during the 2024 season, per Pro-Football-Reference.

Campbell, 39, was released by the Atlanta Falcons on July 10 after a solid 2024, where he notched 35 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, earning a 70.8 PFF pass rush grade. His experience and productivity make him an ideal fit for Green Bay, which struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks after trading Preston Smith midseason. “We’re in advanced talks with Calais,” a source close to the negotiations told The Green Bay Press-Gazette. “It’s about adding a veteran who can make an instant impact.”

The Packers’ defensive line has been a concern, with young players like Lukas Van Ness (4 sacks in 2024) and Brenton Cox Jr. showing promise but lacking consistency. The draft additions of edge rusher Colby Wooden (Round 4, 2024) and safety Javon Bullard (Round 2, 2024) have fortified other areas, but the pass rush remains a weak link. GM Brian Gutekunst emphasized the need: “Calais brings proven production and leadership,” he said in a statement on Packers.com.

Campbell’s role would be rotational, supporting Van Ness and mentoring Wooden and Cox, while adding depth amid injuries to Rashan Gary (knee) entering camp. His five Pro Bowl selections (2014-2015, 2016-2017 with Arizona, 2019 with Jacksonville) and 105.5 career sacks, per NFL.com, signal his value. However, his age and a potential $8-10 million salary request pose cap challenges, with the Packers holding a $6.2 million deficit, per Spotrac.

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Fans on X are optimistic, with @CheeseheadPride posting, “Campbell to Green Bay? Defense just got real!” and @PackersFuture noting, “OTAs showed our D-line needs this.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added, “If signed, Campbell could be the veteran boost the Packers’ pass rush desperately needs.”

As training camp nears, the potential signing of Campbell reflects a strategic push to address a critical flaw. The Packers, coming off an 11-6 season in 2024 with playoff hopes dashed by a wild-card loss, aim to challenge the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Can this veteran addition ignite a Super Bowl run under Jordan Love’s leadership? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates on this developing story.

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Foxborough – November 20, 2025 The atmosphere ahead of Patriots vs. Bengals was already hot; it turned outright fiery when Olivia Holzmacher, Joe Burrow’s fiancée, sparked outrage with comments that struck at the pride of Patriots Nation. In a video that spread like wildfire, Olivia claimed the Bengals have had to face only strong teams all season, while the Patriots “benefited” from a softer schedule. She even openly agreed with Cam Newton’s remarks, unleashing a wave of fury across the New England community. Those words instantly became the center of social media, fueling heated arguments between the two fanbases. Patriots Nation saw it as a dismissal of the step-by-step rebuilding effort of a team on the rise. And at the height of the tension, Boston media immediately turned the spotlight to Drake Maye. The rookie who is becoming the new face of the franchise was expected to deliver a response strong enough yet classy enough to defend New England’s honor. Maye walked into the press conference with a calmness rare for a rookie. When asked directly about Olivia Holzmacher’s statement, he neither dodged nor attacked. Instead, he chose to speak in true New England fashion, full of grit and confidence. Then he delivered an emotional quote that experts called “maturity beyond his years” and that instantly spread throughout Patriots Nation. “I hear all the chatter, but New England doesn’t live off other people’s words. We work for each other, for this jersey, and for the people who stand behind this team every single day. If anyone wants to doubt the schedule or the value of the Patriots, we’ll answer the only way New England knows how, by winning on Sunday.” Right after that, he closed with the 12-word message that has become the rallying cry of the entire season: “We hear the noise we stay focused Patriots prove it on Sundays.” In that moment, Patriots Nation exploded. Maye’s message was printed on banners, flooded Instagram, and appeared at every tailgate like an oath of honor for New England. It was more than just a reply to Olivia Holzmacher; it was a declaration that the Patriots are reclaiming their identity. And with those twelve powerful words, Drake Maye officially stepped into the hearts of the fans as the new leader of New England.

Packers Nearing Deal With Former Pro Bowler to Address Defensive Line Struggles in Disrupting QBs

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