49ers to suspend Campbell for rest of season without pay after refusal to play

De’Vondre Campbell has been suspended by the San Francisco 49ers for the final three games of the regular season after refusing to enter Thursday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple reports on Monday morning.

Campbell opted not to take the field when San Francisco asked him to sub for Dre Greenlaw, who had replaced Campbell in the starting lineup. Greenlaw was returning for his first game since tearing his achilles in last season’s Super Bowl.

Campbell started 12 of the first 13 games in 2024 and made 79 tackles. Campbell signed a one-year, $5m contract in free agency prior to the season. While suspended, he will not be paid and essentially forfeits three game checks.

Last week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said the 31-year-old Campbell told coaches “he didn’t want to play today” when asked to enter the game against the Rams. Greenlaw needed to be removed from the game because of foot soreness.

“I’ve never been around someone who quits on their team, and I hope I’m never around a guy like that again,” 49ers tight end George Kittle said after the game Campbell was not in the locker room when the game ended but all of his belongings remained at his seat.

Campbell signed in the offseason with San Francisco after being cut by Green Bay in March. He had been an All-Pro in 2021 for the Packers but his play fell off the last two seasons in Green Bay. That led to Campbell complaining on social media that he was misused by Green Bay. He expressed excitement about being with a new team but he never got back to his All-Pro level. Campbell had a few bright moments in San Francisco this season but struggled frequently with tackling and in coverage.

San Francisco have endured a tough season and, with a 6-8 record, they have the slimmest of chances of making the playoffs.