De'Vondre Campbell wasn't the San Francisco 49ers' first choice this offseason when it came to adding linebacker help. Dre Greenlaw is still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered in February's Super Bowl and will likely miss at least a few weeks at the start of the regular season.
Initially, San Francisco had agreed to terms with Eric Kendricks. However, the veteran linebacker backed out of the agreement and opted to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead. This left the 49ers' management scrambling for a replacement. Fortunately, Campbell, a former Green Bay Packer, became available.
"He's a guy we really have always respected and liked," general manager John Lynch stated in March. "... And De'Vondre just had a very productive career. So that was a blessing that he became available for us, and we pounced on that."
Campbell saw the move as a great opportunity, joining another winning organization with Super Bowl aspirations.
"They called me and told me they wanted me," Campbell told Justin Melo in an interview for 49ers Webzone. "It was a really good opportunity for myself to join a contender. I'm just trying to make the most of it. I don't have any expectations really. I'm just trying to impress this coaching staff and let the chips fall where they may."
Campbell is eager to prove he can be a valuable contributor to the already talent-rich roster. Although, he knows he has to earn everything.
When asked what he anticipated his role would be with Greenlaw likely sidelined at the start of the season, Campbell replied, "That's really not up to me. My goal right now is to try to learn as much as I can about this defense so I can help them. Whatever is required of me, I'm going to be ready to impress the coaching staff. I want to get on the field because I know nothing is promised or guaranteed."
If he starts, Campbell will line up next to one of the best defenders in the game, Fred Warner, a three-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler.
"Fred Warner and myself, Curtis [Robinson], Flynn [Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles], Zeke [Ezekiel Turner], Dee [Winters], all of us are going to hold the fort down until Greenlaw gets back to where he wants to be," Campbell stated.
Campbell has been in constant contact with Greenlaw and understands how eager the 27-year-old linebacker is to get back on the field with his teammates.
"He's a dog, man," Campbell declared. "When you keep a dog in a kennel, it can get anxious. He wants to play football so bad. I told him this is God's plan for him right now. He just needs to get healthy and control what he can control."