After a disappointing 2024, the San Francisco 49ers underwent massive roster changes this offseason. The main objective of these changes was to make the roster younger.
Among the veterans the 49ers let enter free agency was veteran linebacker De'Vondre Campbell. Campbell's tenure in San Francisco ended in a tumultuous fashion after he refused to enter the game in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams. As a result of these actions, Campbell remains unsigned in May.
Former 49ers Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell's Antics Last Season May Have Cost Him His Career
During the 2024 offseason, the 49ers signed Campbell to a one-year deal worth $5 million to fill in for an injured Dre Greenlaw. The 31-year-old started 12 out of the first 13 games of the season, recording 79 tackles, three tackles for loss and two pass deflections.
When Greenlaw returned in Week 14, Campbell became the backup. Though this was most likely warned when Campbell signed the contract, he thought his layoff to that point didn't warrant a benching.
Nevertheless, that's exactly what happened and he should have handled it like a professional. Instead, when his name was called in Week 15 when both Greenlaw and Dee Winters went down, he walked off the field. This action not only immediately turned all 49ers fans and players against him, but it also made him look bad to all 31 other NFL organizations.
No coach or general manager wants a player on their team who seemingly cares more about themselves than their teammates. Campbell's actions in that moment showed exactly that.
Therefore, it's not a surprise he has yet to land some where, Even if Campbell believes he has something left to give to football, the chances of him signing to a team in 2025 of beyond are slim at this point in the offseason.