49ers defensive player gives explosive explanation weeks after wild mid-game reaction cost him his job
De'Vondre Campbell's tenure couldn't have ended in a more tense way with the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran off-ball linebacker refused to get on the field during the Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams after moving to the bench, and ended up suspended for the final three games of the season. "It is […]
De'Vondre Campbell's tenure couldn't have ended in a more tense way with the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran off-ball linebacker refused to get on the field during the Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams after moving to the bench, and ended up suspended for the final three games of the season.
"It is not something you can do to your team," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said at the time, "and still be a part of it."
Frequently, fans mention it on social media. And on Friday, Campbell talked about it in an explosive way, saying he doesn't need to play again in the NFL.
De'Vondre Campbell has played nine seasons in the league and made $39.47 million, most of it during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Curiously enough, he also left the Packers on bad terms. He criticized the team's defensive system and how he was utilized, and then said he was finally happy on the 49ers.
The dissatisfaction in San Francisco started when Dre Greelaw returned from the injury he had suffered in the Super Bowl, which forced the 49ers to move De'Vondre Campbell to the bench. Campbell didn't like the relegation, but expressed his feelings in the most controversial way possible. He was active, but still didn't want to enter the field.
Instead of releasing Campbell, the 49ers decided to suspend him for three games. By doing that, the team made sure it wouldn't pay him for the final weeks, in addition to blocking him from signing with another team.
De'Vondre Campbell was a fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. After four years in Atlanta and a bridge season with the Arizona Cardinals, Campbell had a career year with the Packers in 2021, making the First-Team All-Pro and prompting a five-year extension.
However, he was never able to replicate that outlier season and was cut by Green Bay two years into the new deal.
According to PFF, Campbell's three best seasons were with the Packers. This past season with the 49ers, he had a 58.3 defensive grade according to PFF. He had 57 tackles, five pressures, but allowed a 103.5 passer rating when targeted.
Technically, De’Vondre Campbell is still under contract with the 49ers after signing a one-year deal last offseason. However, it’s an expiring contract, so he will hit free agency in March.
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