In a surprising turn of events, former Green Bay Packers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell has signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers for the 2024 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Campbell, a 2022 first-team All-Pro, holds some resentment towards his former team after being released earlier this month.

The Packers made the decision to let go of Campbell on March 13, with a post-June 1 designation, which will create approximately $10.57 million in delayed salary-cap relief once June 2 arrives. Prior to the news of his signing, Campbell took to Instagram to express his frustrations, posting, "Someone is about to get a great football player that's been badly misused. O well, let's get it though."

This is not the first time Campbell has openly criticized the Packers on social media. In December, he vented his frustrations following the team's Week 15 loss to Tampa Bay, stating that he would no longer play through injuries because the team always used it against him. The team did not include him on the injury report for that game. In response, the Packers added him to the injury report the following week, citing a neck injury.

Despite Campbell's social media outbursts, neither he nor head coach Matt LaFleur provided further details about the situation. LaFleur simply mentioned that they decided to give Campbell time to recover and empathized with his frustrations over not being at full health. Nevertheless, this incident seemed to strain their relationship and raise doubts about Campbell's future with the team.

The Packers' decision to release Campbell did not come as a shock, as he struggled to consistently perform for a defense that faced numerous challenges during the 2023 season. Although he had an impressive 2021 campaign, earning a five-year, $50 million contract extension, injuries caused him to miss six games and hindered his overall performance. The emergence of Quay Walker, a 2022 first-round pick, and Isaiah McDuffie, who proved to be an effective No. 2 linebacker, further solidified the Packers' decision.

Joining the 49ers, Campbell will have an opportunity to fill the void left by star linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl. However, it's worth noting that the 49ers initially agreed to terms with Erik Kendricks, but he ultimately chose to sign a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, making Campbell their second choice.

It remains to be seen how the 49ers will utilize Campbell and whether they can tap into his full potential. As the 2024 season approaches, the linebacker will look to prove that the Packers misused him and that he can make a significant impact in San Francisco's defense.

Jordan J. Wilson, a sports reporter covering multiple teams including the Green Bay Packers, tackled this story for Heavy.com. With his experience covering various levels of sports, Wilson provides in-depth analysis and insight into the latest developments in the NFL.