Source: Packers to part ways with former All-Pro linebacker on Wednesday

Green Bay, Wisconsin — According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Green Bay Packers plan to release starting inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell on Wednesday as part of their ongoing endeavour to obtain as much salary-cap relief as is practically possible.

The Packers can label his departure as a post-June 1 cut by holding off until Wednesday, which will enable them to generate even more cap savings that they may use for free agency. By releasing Campbell, the Packers will be able to free up $10.57 million, putting them just over the $23 million maximum with more likely still to come.

Campbell’s Condition

For the previous two seasons, Campbell, who turns 31 in July, has progressively become worse. During the required mini-camp in 2021, general manager Brian Gutekunst acquired Campbell, who ended up being the first Packers linebacker to receive All-Pro honours since Ray Nitschke. The next off-season, he was rewarded for his performances with a five-year, $50 million contract extension, solidifying his position as the defensive line’s mainstay. But in response to the generous deal, the usually reliable Campbell has missed ten games since signing.

He missed six more games this past season due to ankle and neck issues, in addition to missing four games in 2022 due to a knee injury. He missed just five games in his first six seasons in the NFL, four of which he played with the Atlanta Falcons.

There has been a sharp decline in his performance as a result of his absence. Pro Football Focus reports that since missing just four tackles in his rookie season with the Packers, Campbell has missed 11 and 10 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Only a few months had passed since Joe Barry was appointed defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers when Campbell joined the organisation. Following Barry’s dismissal in January, the Packers hired Jeff Hafley, the head coach at Boston College, to replace Barry. The Packers are expected to move to a 4-3 defence, which they haven’t used as a weapon since 2008, with Hafley. Quay Walker, the team’s starting inside linebacker even with Campbell in the mix, will be counted on more in this defence.

Packers need to improve on formation

If the Packers don’t add any major names in free agency or the draft, they may also rely on Isaiah McDuffie to play a substantial amount of snaps. It wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory because Campbell was losing snaps to McDuffie down the stretch of last season.

The former sixth-round selection McDuffie knows Hafley from their time together at Boston College. After playing for Hafley for one season, McDuffie concluded the 2020 season ranked fifth in the country in terms of total tackles. Max Richardson, his running partner, came in eleventh.

With Campbell gone, the Packers’ most pressing need is a middle linebacker, closely followed by safety. Walker and former safety Christian Young are the only guys on the depth chart right now. This week is Eric Wilson’s and Kristian Welch’s unrestricted free agency date; nevertheless, the Packers are anticipated to keep Wilson, one of their best special team players.

Get more related mews here: https://sportviewers.com