De'Vondre Campbell’s Antonio Brown-like walk-off could lead to massive dent in $5,000,000 contract, NFL analyst claims
De'Vondre Campbell's San Francisco 49ers suffered a season-crushing 12-6 loss to the LA Rams on Thursday. However, while the team lost in primetime, Campbell became the headliner for a different reason. In the final quarter, the linebacker left the sidelines after he was asked to replace Dre Greenlaw, who had exited the game in the third quarter due to an injury.
It has been some time since a player quit on their team like Campbell, dating back to when Antonio Brown stormed off the field in a 28-24 win against the New York Jets in 2021.
However, analysts have not warmed up to the idea even now. Speaking on Friday's edition of "Get Up," NFL insiders Bart Scott and Dan Graziano gave their two cents on De'Vondre's conduct.
"I would say he probably enjoyed it," Bart Scott said. "'You guys needed me and Imma a quit on you.'" (10:59)
Meanwhile, Graziano mentioned the impact on the linebacker's $5,000,000 contract:
"He's not going to enjoy it once they cut him. I'm saying he doesn't get his termination pay because they cut him for breach of contract. This is going to cost him money. It was a dumb decision." (11:03)
According to Pro Football Talk, Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers coach, confirmed that Campbell was asked to play and refused. Shanahan also mentioned that such an incident had never happened with the linebacker before.
Exploring De'Vondre Campbell's contract situation beyond 2025
De'Vondre Campbell, 31, had been playing on a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, which could have been either a prove-it-deal or a low-risk tie for the team.
With the linebacker walking off the field when needed the most, it might be the last time he's seen in a 49ers uniform. He cannot seek a deal with another team until the 49ers either terminate his $5 million deal or allow the contract to expire.
Antonio Brown, a receiver in his 30s at the time, spent his last moments in the NFL walking off the field in the middle of a game. Based on that precedent, Campbell's end might be similar to his.
As of now, De'Vondre Campbell's side of the story remains unknown, which could be his saving grace.