The Green Bay Packers are set to part ways with former All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell as they strive to maximize salary-cap relief. According to a report by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the team plans to release Campbell when the new league year begins on Wednesday, allowing them to designate his release as a post-June 1 cut. This move will create additional cap savings, potentially bolstering their ability to pursue free agents. The release of Campbell will free up $10.57 million, leaving the Packers with over $23 million in cap space.
Campbell, who will turn 31 in July, has seen a decline in performance over the past two seasons. Despite earning All-Pro honors in his first season with the Packers in 2021, he has struggled with injuries, missing a total of 10 games since signing a lucrative contract extension. His lack of availability has led to a decline in his tackling efficiency, with Pro Football Focus reporting 11 and 10 missed tackles in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively.
The decision to part ways with Campbell comes as the Packers undergo changes on defense. The team recently hired Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator, signaling a switch to a 4-3 defensive scheme. With this change, more responsibility will fall on players like Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie, who are expected to step up in Campbell’s absence. McDuffie, a former sixth-round pick, has prior experience playing under Hafley at Boston College, where he excelled in tackling.
Moving forward, the Packers will need to address the middle linebacker position, as it becomes a top priority alongside safety. With Campbell’s departure, the team’s depth at linebacker is limited, with only Walker and Christian Young currently on the depth chart. The Packers are expected to retain Eric Wilson, one of their top special-teamers, but will likely need to make additional moves to bolster the position.
In his three-year stint with the Packers, Campbell accumulated 317 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions. His departure marks the end of an era for the Packers’ defense, as they look to restructure and improve for the upcoming season.
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