The Green Bay Packers have found their new defensive coordinator - and it's a name that brings both experience and flexibility to a unit in need of a fresh identity. Jonathan Gannon, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach and the architect of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-caliber defense, is headed to Green Bay. His arrival comes on the heels of Jeff Hafley’s departure to take over as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
Gannon’s track record speaks for itself. While his stint in Arizona didn’t go as planned, his defensive résumé is solid.
He helped guide a Philadelphia defense that was among the league’s best, and he’s known for a modern, adaptive approach - not tied to a rigid scheme, but instead tailoring his system to fit his personnel and the weekly matchup. That kind of flexibility could be exactly what the Packers need to unlock the full potential of their defensive roster.
But even the best schemers need the right pieces. And right now, Green Bay’s defense - particularly up front - could use both depth and leadership.
Down the stretch last season, the Packers struggled to generate consistent pressure, especially when key disruptors like Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt weren’t available. That’s where the next move could come into play.
Enter Calais Campbell.
Yes, he’s 40. And yes, he’s still playing at a level that demands respect.
Campbell, an 18-year NFL veteran with a likely Hall of Fame future, could be a savvy addition for the Packers in free agency. He’s not just a name - he’s still producing.
Last season, he suited up for all 17 games (for the third straight year), recording 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks. That kind of durability and production, especially from a player his age, is rare.
More importantly, there’s a connection here. Campbell played under Gannon in Arizona, and that familiarity could be a valuable asset as the new coordinator looks to implement his system in Green Bay. Bringing in a veteran who already understands Gannon’s approach could help accelerate the learning curve for the rest of the defense.
Campbell’s résumé is stacked: six Pro Bowls, a First-Team All-Pro nod, two Second-Team All-Pro selections, and a runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. He also earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2019 - a testament to his leadership and impact both on and off the field.
And from a financial standpoint, he wouldn’t break the bank. Last year, he signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with Arizona. For a team like Green Bay, looking to add experience and production without overspending, that’s a price tag worth considering.
Campbell currently sits at 117.0 career sacks - good for 25th all-time - and he’s still chasing quarterbacks with the same motor and technique that made him a force for nearly two decades.
If the Packers are serious about giving Gannon the tools to succeed, adding a player like Campbell makes a lot of sense. He brings leadership, production, and an understanding of what Gannon wants from his front seven. And in a league where veteran presence can often tip the scales in big moments, Campbell could be the kind of under-the-radar signing that pays off when it matters most.