Kyle Shanahan Announces De’Vondre Campbell’s Departure from the San Francisco 49ers
Santa Clara, CA — December 15, 2024
In a significant shift within the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive plans, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced today that linebacker De’Vondre Campbell would no longer be a part of the team moving forward. The decision, which has come as a surprise to many in the NFL community, marks the end of a short but impactful tenure for Campbell with the 49ers. Shanahan’s announcement has generated widespread interest, as the 49ers continue to reconfigure their roster amid a push for playoff contention.
Background on De’Vondre Campbell’s Acquisition
De’Vondre Campbell, a seasoned linebacker with considerable NFL experience, was signed by the 49ers in March 2024 as a free agent following a standout season with the Green Bay Packers. Campbell had previously established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the league during his tenure with Green Bay, where he earned Pro Bowl honors and was instrumental in their defensive schemes.
Campbell’s acquisition was seen as a strategic move by the 49ers, whose defense was already among the league’s most formidable units. The 49ers were hoping to add another versatile, high-IQ linebacker to the mix, alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, creating a linebacker corps capable of dictating the flow of games. The team believed Campbell’s leadership, playmaking ability, and coverage skills would provide a significant boost to their defense, especially against the high-powered offenses in the NFC.
However, despite high expectations, Campbell’s time with the 49ers was marked by inconsistent play and difficulty adjusting to the team’s defensive system.
The Announcement by Kyle Shanahan
The announcement came during a mid-week press conference following a series of media inquiries regarding the team’s ongoing roster moves. Shanahan, known for his candidness and no-nonsense approach, was forthright in discussing the decision to part ways with Campbell.
“De’Vondre is a professional and a great player who has contributed to this team,” Shanahan said. “But as we continue to evaluate the roster and focus on what’s best for this team going forward, we’ve made the decision that it’s time for him to move on. We believe this will allow us to make the adjustments we need, both in terms of our defensive schemes and the personnel we have available.”
Shanahan emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Campbell’s character or work ethic but rather the culmination of ongoing discussions between the coaching staff and front office. “It’s a tough decision, but one that we think is in the best interest of both De’Vondre and the team. Sometimes, in this league, the fit just isn’t right, and it’s better to part ways before things get more complicated.”
While the 49ers’ defensive coaches were reportedly high on Campbell’s potential, Shanahan did acknowledge that there had been challenges in integrating him fully into the system. Sources close to the team have cited communication issues and a slight disconnect between Campbell’s playing style and the specific schemes San Francisco has been employing this season.
Performance and Struggles with the 49ers
After signing with the 49ers, Campbell played in nine games during the 2024 season, starting in seven of them. On paper, his stats weren’t bad: 55 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. However, his performance in key moments — particularly in the 49ers’ biggest matchups against NFC West rivals — often fell short of expectations.
For a player of Campbell’s caliber, the struggles were hard to ignore. He had a hard time adjusting to the speed and complexity of San Francisco’s defensive system, which relies heavily on fluidity, versatility, and quick reactions. Campbell, known for his ability to read offenses and adjust on the fly, seemed to take longer than anticipated to understand and execute Shanahan’s vision for the defense.
There were also reports that Campbell had trouble fitting in with some of the other linebackers, particularly Fred Warner, whose leadership style and playing philosophy differ somewhat from Campbell’s more traditional approach. While both players are extremely talented, their styles — Warner’s sideline-to-sideline range and Campbell’s more physical, downhill approach — never quite meshed in a way that maximized the defense’s potential.
This disconnect was most evident in the 49ers’ struggles against pass-heavy teams, where Campbell’s coverage skills often left something to be desired. While he had the physical tools to cover tight ends and running backs, his decision-making and ability to track receivers in space were inconsistent, leading to several missed opportunities and coverage breakdowns in critical moments.
It was during these struggles that rumors of a potential move started to surface within the organization. Though Shanahan and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks remained publicly supportive of Campbell throughout the season, behind closed doors, the team had begun to assess whether he was truly a fit for their long-term goals.
The Decision to Part Ways
The decision to part ways with Campbell, while somewhat abrupt, is part of a larger trend for the 49ers. Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been known for making bold moves in an effort to constantly refine their roster and maintain championship-level talent. While Campbell’s departure is a setback, the 49ers have the depth and flexibility to weather this storm.
Sources within the 49ers organization have said that the team is considering internal options to replace Campbell. Players like Oren Burks, who has impressed in limited action, and rookie linebacker Jalen Hall have both been mentioned as potential candidates to step into a more significant role. Additionally, the team could look to free agency or the trade market to bring in another veteran linebacker, though Shanahan has expressed confidence in the current group of players at his disposal.
“We’re not just looking for a guy to fill a roster spot,” Shanahan said. “We need someone who can come in and help us immediately. We’re always looking to upgrade at every position, and we believe the right opportunity will present itself soon.”
What This Means for De’Vondre Campbell
For Campbell, this marks the end of what could be described as a difficult chapter in his career. After enjoying a successful stint in Green Bay, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and solidified himself as one of the league’s top linebackers, Campbell’s time with the 49ers will be viewed as somewhat of a disappointment. However, his reputation around the league remains strong, and this setback may just be a temporary detour in what has otherwise been a solid career.
Despite his struggles in San Francisco, Campbell remains an appealing option for teams in need of an experienced, hard-hitting linebacker who excels against the run. His time with the Packers showed that when he is in the right system, he can be a difference-maker, and it’s likely that another team will give him the opportunity to return to his Pro Bowl form.
Campbell’s agent, David Canter, issued a statement following the announcement, thanking the 49ers for the opportunity and expressing optimism about Campbell’s future. “De’Vondre has always prided himself on being a professional, and he will continue to work hard to prove that he’s one of the best linebackers in the game. We are looking forward to the next chapter of his career and the opportunity to help a new team achieve its goals.”
Impact on the 49ers
While the departure of Campbell may not be as disruptive as some other roster changes around the NFL, it does leave the 49ers with a hole to fill in the linebacker position. The team, however, remains confident in its defensive depth, and the leadership of players like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw is expected to fill the void left by Campbell’s absence.
The 49ers have also been a team that adapts well to change, with Shanahan and Wilks known for their ability to get the best out of their players. This ability to adjust on the fly, coupled with the team’s solid foundation, suggests that the 49ers will be able to navigate this transition without significant disruption to their defensive performance.
In the immediate term, the 49ers’ next game against the Seattle Seahawks could serve as a proving ground for their reconfigured linebacker corps. With the playoffs on the line, the team can ill afford any further setbacks in their defense, which has been one of their most consistent strengths throughout the 2024 season.
Conclusion
De’Vondre Campbell’s departure from the San Francisco 49ers is a significant moment in the team’s 2024 season. While the linebacker did not fully live up to expectations, his exit opens the door for the 49ers to adjust their defensive alignment and explore other avenues to improve. With a talented roster and a coaching staff committed to making the necessary changes, the 49ers will look to move forward without missing a beat.
For Campbell, this may be the end of his brief tenure with the 49ers, but it is far from the end of his NFL career. His next destination will likely be a team that can better utilize his skill set, and he will no doubt remain a valuable asset in the right system. For now, the 49ers will continue to press forward with their focus on securing a playoff berth and making a deep run in the postseason, all while adapting to this new change on their roster.
