**De’Vondre Campbell Crowds 49ers Linebacker Corps**
De’Vondre Campbell’s addition to the San Francisco 49ers roster intensifies the competition within an already deep linebacker group, which is not necessarily a negative development.
The 49ers were transparent about their need for a starting-quality linebacker for the 2024 season after losing star linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a torn Achilles in the previous Super Bowl.
Their initial target was Eric Kendricks, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers, but after he declined their offer to join the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers turned to their backup plan.
They signed former Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, with $4.56 million guaranteed, signaling their intent to make the soon-to-be 31-year-old a key part of their defense this season.
If Greenlaw is unable to return soon, Campbell will be the starting option alongside All-Pro Fred Warner.
A first-team All-Pro in 2021, Campbell might not be at his peak performance level, but he is reportedly enjoying football again for the first time in years, and there’s hope he can regain his All-Pro form.
However, this raises the question: What happens when Greenlaw returns?
**How De’Vondre Campbell Crowds the 49ers Depth Chart at Linebacker**
Greenlaw is expected to miss the start of the regular season and may begin 2024 on an injury list.
Assuming he returns later in the year, what will the dynamic be with both Warner and Campbell healthy?
The 49ers often play in a nickel defense, which uses only two linebackers at a time. While having a rotation can be beneficial, it is clear that one of Warner, Greenlaw, or Campbell will need to take a reduced role if all three are healthy.
On the positive side, this allows San Francisco to be cautious with Greenlaw’s recovery, knowing they have a proven All-Pro in Campbell to fill the gap.
The more serious impact will be felt further down the depth chart, where linebackers like Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dee Winters, Jalen Graham, and 2024 seventh-round rookie Tatum Bethune might see their chances of securing a roster spot decrease once Greenlaw returns.
Still, this is not a major issue for the 49ers. If anything, having an abundance of options at a key position is a benefit.
Even if the position becomes crowded.
Leave a Reply