After missing out on Eric Kendricks after a surprise free agency plot twist, the San Francisco 49ers have their cover for injured linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
That cover has come from the team Greenlaw played a starring role against in last season's divisional round playoffs.
San Francisco, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, is signing De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal. Campbell spent the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, whom the 49ers fought back to beat in the divisional round.
Greenlaw recorded two interceptions of quarterback Jordan Love, including the game-clinching pick. However, he is a doubt to be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 season because of the torn Achilles he suffered in the Super Bowl 58 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Niners looked to have found their cover when they reportedly agreed a one-year deal with Kendricks, but the 2019 All-Pro had a change of heart and elected to reunite with former coach Mike Zimmer and sign for the Dallas Cowboys.
In Campbell, the 49ers have landed a 2021 First-team All-Pro, albeit one who has seen his play tail off as he dealt with injuries in 2022 and 2023. He has missed 10 games over the course of the past two seasons. Campbell had a knee strain in 2022 and suffered from ankle and neck sprains last season.
Per Pro Football Focus, he played 305 pass coverage snaps compared to 250 run defense snaps in 2023. However, according to Sports Info Solutions, Campbell allowed a completion percentage of 76.5 and 12 yards per attempt. His Expected Points Added per target allowed of 0.75 was the highest among all linebackers with at least 10 targets.
If Greenlaw is not ready for Week 1, then the numbers suggest Campbell will be a significant downgrade. Greenlaw gave up a completion rate of 63.6 and just 4.6 yards per target.
The 49ers will hope that, with a healthy offseason, Campbell can recover his 2021 form as prepares to likely serve as at least the starting SAM linebacker on base downs if not the WILL linebacker next to Fred Warner on every down.
San Francisco may yet draft another linebacker, and the Niners have other options including 2023 late-round picks Dee Winters and Jalen Graham, but their problems at linebacker will be greatly eased if a player whose best looks to be behind him finds form once again.
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