The Green Bay Packers surprised many people last year. They were the youngest team in the league last season, and it looks like they are getting younger. Every team has players that are not worth the cap hit they bring in 2024. For the Packers, that player is linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. The Green Bay Packers have released the former All-Pro linebacker to create cap space for free agency.
Green Bay Packers Release LB De’Vondre Campbell
Packers will create $10.5 million of salary cap space with release of inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell on Wednesday https://t.co/oHzou2wkyW via @journalsentinel
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 10, 2024
De’Vondre Campbell had an All-Pro season in 2021. He had 146 tackles, 102 of them solo tackles. His missed tackle rate was elite, and the Green Bay Packers rewarded him in the next offseason. He signed a five-year, $50 million deal in the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to duplicate the 2021 season. He dealt with injuries, but his play on the field dipped. 2021 looks like it was a one-hit-wonder season at the perfect time for Campbell.
The move saves the Green Bay Packers $10.57 million. They are expected to be $20 million under the cap due to the huge increase in the salary cap. It gives the team more flexibility when free agency begins on Tuesday. Because of the success of last year, GM Brian Gutekunst might be looking to get aggressive in free agency to help this team compete in 2024.
Green Bay Packers Free Agency Plans
The defense will likely be the focus of the Green Bay Packers’ free agency plans. They are thin at linebacker with Campbell’s release. Safety has been a need for a few years, and with the number of high-quality safeties available, the Packers should be able to sign at least one of them. On top of those positions, the defensive line could use a little more depth.
It is disappointing that De’Vondre Campbell was never able to duplicate his success in 2021. It is always great when players have career years and find a home with a certain franchise. Ultimately, the Green Bay Packers are in a different part of the team-building process. They want to get younger and shed some salaries to help them down the road. It will be interesting to see if Campbell gets any interest in the open market once free agency starts on Tuesday.
For More Great Sports Content
Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
Follow him on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @TotalApexSports. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!