Breaking News: De’Vondre Campbell announces he won’t be able to play for the 49ers .
In a surprising turn of events, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell has announced that he will not be returning to the San Francisco 49ers for the upcoming season. The news sent shockwaves through the NFL community, as Campbell had been expected to be a key player for the 49ers’ defense moving forward.
Campbell, 30, made his decision public through a statement released on social media, where he cited personal and professional reasons for his decision to part ways with the team. While details of these reasons remain somewhat vague, sources close to the situation have suggested that a combination of health concerns, family matters, and a desire to explore other opportunities were factors in his decision.
“I want to thank the 49ers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their support during my time with the team,” Campbell wrote in his statement. “This was a difficult decision, but after careful consideration, I’ve decided it’s best for me to move on. I wish the team nothing but success in the future, and I will always cherish the moments we shared together.”
The announcement comes as a major surprise, given Campbell’s status as one of the most talented linebackers in the NFL. Over the course of his career, Campbell has developed a reputation as a versatile and hard-hitting defender, known for his ability to excel in both pass coverage and run stopping. He joined the 49ers last season and quickly became an integral part of their defensive unit, helping the team reach the playoffs.
In 2023, Campbell recorded 105 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions, earning Pro Bowl honors for his performance. His leadership and experience in the linebacker corps were seen as vital to the 49ers’ defensive success. Many speculated that Campbell would play a pivotal role in their Super Bowl aspirations in the upcoming season.
The 49ers have yet to publicly comment on Campbell’s departure, but sources inside the organization have expressed their disappointment. One unnamed team official said, “De’Vondre was an exceptional player and an important part of our defense. We are saddened to see him go, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Campbell’s departure leaves a notable gap in the 49ers’ linebacker corps. While the team boasts a strong defensive roster overall, the loss of such a seasoned veteran will require the coaching staff to make adjustments. The 49ers’ front office is expected to explore free-agent options or make moves through the upcoming draft to fill the void left by Campbell’s absence.
For Campbell, the decision to leave the 49ers opens up a new chapter in his career. While retirement has not been ruled out, it is likely that other teams in need of a veteran linebacker will look to sign him. Over the years, Campbell has earned the respect of coaches and players across the league, and his skills are still highly valued. At 30 years old, Campbell still has several productive years ahead of him, whether in the NFL or in another professional venture.
As the news of Campbell’s departure continues to reverberate across the NFL, the 49ers will now shift their focus to addressing the void left by his absence, while Campbell himself will begin to plan his next steps in his career. The linebacker’s future remains uncertain, but whatever comes next, De’Vondre Campbell’s time with the 49ers will not soon be forgotten.
