• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Niners Save $800K by Suspending, Not Cutting, De’Vondre Campbell

The Niners are saving some money by suspending Campbell instead of waiving him and delaying his free agency as a result.

Bills Ty Johnson tries to avoid 49ers De'Vondre Campbell Sr. unsuccessfully on the carry during first half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024.
Imagn Images

De’Vondre Campbell’s 49ers career is over—and likely at a discount cost. 

The team is suspending Campbell for the final three games of the regular season after he refused to enter Thursday’s game against the Rams in the third quarter, according to multiple reports. Campbell had been the team’s starting linebacker all season but saw his role reduced after teammate Dre Greenlaw returned from a torn Achilles, which he suffered in February’s Super Bowl. His refusal to play will end up costing him more than $800,000. 

The Niners are 6–8 and are technically still alive to clinch a playoff spot, though it is unlikely. 

Greenlaw started the game and experienced knee tightness, which led coach Kyle Shanahan to call on Campbell. He refused to enter the game and instead walked off the field with a towel over his head. 

His teammates blasted him for his actions with a few predicting he had played his last snap. On Friday, Shanahan said the team was working “on the semantics” of parting ways with Campbell. 

“It’s not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still get to be a part of our team,” Shanahan said Friday. 

Campbell signed a one-year, $5 million contract with San Francisco in March. He spent the previous three seasons with the Packers. The deal came with a $1.21 million base salary—which equates to $67,222 per game—and a $3.35 million signing bonus. If the 49ers cut Campbell, he would have gone on waivers, which would have allowed another team to sign him as a late-season addition. The Niners would have owed him the rest of his contract for the season, which carries a dead-cap hit of roughly $4.5 million. By suspending him, the Niners can possibly recoup some of the signing bonus. 

The Niners can get up to 25% of the signing bonus back, according to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, “because a refusal to play constitutes a forfeitable breach.” Campbell’s contract also includes four voidable non-guaranteed years, with the signing bonus being spread out over that five-year period, coming to $670,000 a year through 2028. The Niners can recoup $111,666 of his signing bonus (which would constitute about 16% of the bonus amount paid per year), according to Spotrac, plus Campbell’s three final game checks of the season, which comes to $201,666. 

In addition, he will lose $60,000 ($20,000 per game) in roster bonus money, which was awarded to him on the active roster for each game, according to Spotrac. Campbell was also on track for a $500,000 incentive for playing more than 70% of the Niners’ total defensive snaps. Campbell has currently played 83% of the Niners’ total defensive snaps through Thursday. That number will continue to drop over the final three games, making it extremely unlikely he will hit that incentive. 

In total, Campbell’s refusal to play cost him $873,332 ($500,000 + $60,000 + $111,666 + $201,666).

Campbell will be an unrestricted free agent for the 2025 season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Texas Tech tortillas

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.
Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa’s L.A. Home for Sale for $3.7 Million

The Bills defensive end purchased the home last July.

NFL’s Goodell Stands by Bad Bunny: ‘It’s Going to Be a Great..

The commissioner is undeterred by political criticism of the halftime show choice.

NFL Tries to Revive Pro Bowl Games by Moving It to Super..

The event will be held in San Francisco during Super Bowl week.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.