De'Vondre Campbell, a possible LB target for the 49ers
Days after linebacker Eric Kendricks used a whiplash move to back out of a deal with the 49ers and join with the Cowboys, San Francisco looks prepared to return to the linebacker battleground. The 49ers are showing “strong interest” in the recently released Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
A key component for a 49ers squad hungry to revamp the defense and make a Super Bowl comeback is Campbell’s expertise. He has eight years of experience and has been a member of the Falcons and Cardinals. 110 of the 115 NFL games in which he has played have been as a starter.
The 49ers are reportedly very interested in former Packers LB De’Vondre Campbell, according to a source, as team insider Matt Maiocco stated on Twitter/X on Thursday. Wednesday saw the release of Campbell, an eight-year veteran and 2021 first-team All-Pro.
Dre Greenlaw Could Be Spelt by De’Vondre Campbell
In need of a replacement for Dre Greenlaw, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the 49ers’ Super Bowl defeat to the Chiefs, Campbell might be a wise addition. The team needs a guy who could start beside Fred Warner or be a rotating player off the bench because it is uncertain how much, if at all, Greenlaw will be able to play next season.
Since the Packers acquired Campbell in 2021 on a sweetheart contract of $2 million for a single year, he has been a reliable member of the club. The Packers offered him a five-year, $50 million contract with an out clause following the 2024 campaign after he was named an All-Pro that year. The Packer saw appropriate to cut him because he had a $14.4 million cap hit for the next season.
Over the previous two seasons, injuries have caused Campbell to miss ten games. Despite his injuries, Campbell has been a productive player for the Packers this season, appearing in 81% of their plays.
He was out for half of the previous season due to an ankle ailment, and he missed four games due to a knee injury the year before.
Defense of the 49ers Overhauling Silently
However, the 49ers are not placing their money on Campbell having to play all 17 games, especially if Greenlaw is able to return in 2024. He might be prepared for the season’s first game, albeit it’s unlikely. It is also feasible that Greenlaw won’t exist in 2024 at all. That is the 49ers’ predicament.
One might argue that the 49ers upgraded at every position with those deals when injuries are taken into account.
Finding a replacement for Greenlaw is still going to be difficult, and Kendricks’ decision to withdraw is a serious setback. Earlier this month, General Manager John Lynch discussed the uncertainty surrounding Greenlaw.
“You know, Achilles, they take some time, right?” he said to Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Therefore, you must honor that. Having said that, I am aware of Dre’s unique athletic ability. Those guys heal up quicker, but I believe there’s just a certain amount of time you have to give an Achilles. You possess extreme aggression.
You also need to be intelligent. Thus, we shall be.
Campbell’s addition would be a part of the 49ers’ covert defensive makeover during the past few days. While the core members of the defense remain, players like as Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell, and Chase Young have left the team. In their place are edge rushers Yetur Gross-Matos and Leonard Floyd, as well as interior lineman Jordan Elliott from the Browns.
