Former Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell signs new deal with 49ers

Former Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is reportedly signing a new deal in free agency with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He is inking a contract for one season to play for the Super Bowl LVIII contenders. The 49ers lost star linebacker Dre Greenlaw to an Achilles tear during the big game last month and have been on the hunt for a replacement.

Releasing Campbell saved the Packers $10.5 million in salary cap space and sent the three-year contributor packing to his fourth team in nine seasons. A former fourth-round pick out of Minnesota, Campbell was one of the biggest free agent signings in the league during the 2022 offseason. The Packers inked him to a five-year deal for $50 million after he earned a First-Team All-Pro selection.

In his breakout season with the Packers, Campbell accumulated 132 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. This year, however, he posted just 75 tackles in 11 games played. He had no sacks this season, but he did post 5.5 tackles for loss. Campbell missed four games after suffering an ankle sprain in Week 3 against the Saints.

Last year, the former Gophers standout had 96 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss. He also had two interceptions, with one returned for a score. Through his first eight seasons in the league, the linebacker has tallied 779 regular season tackles with 9.5 sacks, 38 tackles for loss, and seven interceptions. He also has eight forced fumbles.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Campbell in 2016 in the fourth round. He became an immediate contributor and played out his rookie contract with the team before signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.