Kyle Shanahan Admits 49ers Made a Mistake Signing After Suspension

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that signing linebacker De’Vondre Campbell was a mistake following his suspension for refusing to play during last week’s game.

The incident occurred during the 49ers’ 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams when Campbell, 31, refused to take the field despite being called upon by Shanahan. Instead of fulfilling his role, Campbell left the sidelines and returned to the locker room, a move that caused frustration and anger within the team.

San Francisco reacted by suspending Campbell for the remainder of the season, effectively ending his debut campaign with the team. Campbell had joined the 49ers on a one-year deal in March, but his refusal to play and subsequent actions marked a disastrous conclusion to his tenure.

Shanahan admitted that the team had conducted background checks on Campbell and weighed the risks before signing him, but the decision ultimately proved to be the wrong one. “I was with De’Vondre his rookie year in Atlanta, so I knew what he was capable of,” Shanahan said. “It’s not something we didn’t investigate. We weighed the risk-reward and believed it was our best option at the time. It didn’t work out.”

In addition to the suspension, the 49ers cleared out Campbell’s locker and removed his nameplate, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. By suspending him rather than releasing him, the 49ers ensured Campbell would be unable to sign with another team this season. Reports suggest the team considered releasing him a “reward” he didn’t deserve.

General manager John Lynch addressed the matter, stating, “We have suspended De’Vondre Campbell Sr. for three games due to conduct detrimental to the team. We will have no further comment on the matter.”

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams can suspend players without pay for up to four games for detrimental conduct. Campbell’s suspension marks a disappointing end to what the 49ers had hoped would be a beneficial addition to their roster. Instead, the team is left reflecting on the failed signing and its impact on their season.