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

Posted 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.

 

RESPECT: Amon-Ra St. Brown Makes a Bold Promise to Stay in Detroit Until the Lions Win the Super Bowl: “I Will Not Leave Until We Get It Done”
Detroit, Michigan – In a statement that has energized Lions fans and sent waves across the NFL, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions made a powerful promise about his future with the team: he will stay in Detroit until he brings home a Super Bowl championship, no matter how long it takes. “I’m not here just to play one season,” St. Brown said during a recent media session. “I’m here to bring a championship to Detroit. If we haven’t won yet, I will stay until we do it. This city and these fans deserve a Super Bowl, and I will give everything I have for that.” The 26-year-old receiver, who was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as the centerpiece and leader of the team’s resurgence since becoming a full-time starter in 2022. A Young Leader With a Long-Term Vision St. Brown, who spent his early seasons developing into one of the league’s most reliable pass-catchers, has shown remarkable growth, consistency, and leadership. After recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and becoming a focal point of the Lions’ offense, he is now viewed as the long-term cornerstone of the franchise. Despite facing double-teams and heavy defensive attention, St. Brown has earned the trust of teammates, coaches, and the entire Detroit community with his work ethic, toughness, and clutch performances. “This isn’t about one great moment,” St. Brown continued. “This is about daily work, about teammates, about the fans, and about this city. We want to bring back something Detroit hasn’t had in over 65 years — a Super Bowl.” Building Around the Core The Lions are actively building their roster around St. Brown. The front office has added quality pieces on both offense and defense, creating a talented and young core capable of competing at the highest level. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the team is focused on building a physical, balanced offense that maximizes St. Brown’s route-running, yards after catch, and leadership. Although the road to the Super Bowl remains challenging — especially in the highly competitive NFC North — optimism in Detroit is at an all-time high. St. Brown’s bold promise has only strengthened the belief among Lions fans that the organization is entering a new era filled with hope — an era that could finally end the long championship drought.

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