De'Vondre Campbell's ugly 49ers exit makes the Packers look like geniuses

De'Vondre Campbell had waited three months in free agency before the Green Bay Packers gave him an opportunity in 2021. He became a first-team All-Pro in Joe Barry's system before landing a huge multi-year extension.

Then, during a disastrous 2023 season, Campbell tweeted: "I'm not playing through injuries anymore cause when s--- goes wrong they always use it against you."

The Packers understandably moved on after the season, to which Campbell responded by trashing Joe Barry before putting the blame for his disappointing year on everyone but himself.

He would end up signing with the San Francisco 49ers to provide cover for the injured Dre Greenlaw, and it went about as badly as Packers fans expected. Per PFF, Campbell made a career-high 12 missed tackles while allowing 86.8 percent of passes to be completed in his coverage.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, Campbell quit on his team midway through Thursday Night Football.

Niners expected to move on from De'Vondre Campbell after quitting on team

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed postgame that Campbell "said he didn't want to play today." He told the coaches during the third quarter that he didn't want to enter the game. And that was that. He didn't play.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are now moving on from Campbell. It could come via a suspension or release. They have no choice. Even if Campbell wanted to keep playing, how can they move forward with him after recent comments from his teammates?

"I've never been around anybody who's ever done that, and I hope I'm never around somebody who does that again," said teammate George Kittle.

"That's some sucker stuff to me. Probably gonna get cut soon," Niners cornerback Charvarius Ward said postgame.

It proves the Packers right for moving on when they did. Campbell struggled last season but threw the coaching staff under the bus without taking accountability (at least on social media). The Packers haven't fixed their linebacker issue yet, although second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper has shown star potential when healthy. He has already given the Packers an upgrade on Campbell's performances from last season.

Where does Campbell go from here? Who knows? Would a team be willing to sign him after he refused to play? Only time will tell.

Fortunately, it's no longer the Packers' problem.

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