NFL free agency 2022: Packers agree to terms with De'Vondre Campbell on reported five-year, $50 million deal

The All-Pro linebacker won't be leaving Green Bay for a long, long time

The moves keep on landing for the Green Bay Packers -- a mix of securing talent and letting some walk into 2022 NFL free agency to find a new home elsewhere. On the same day they struck a deal with Preston Smith on a major deal and then released both linebacker Za'Darius Smith and offensive lineman Billy Turner, they have now agreed to terms with linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, per his agent, on a deal that will reportedly keep him in Green Bay on a five-year deal worth $50 million.

A former fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, Campbell played out his rookie deal in North Georgia before signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. It was a short stay in the desert, as he'd then make his way to the Packers one year later -- given a starting role in their defense. 

The 28-year-old logged 146 combined tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and five pass deflections in 16 starts, enough to earn his first-ever All-Pro nod last season. Campbell is also quite durable, having missed only three games in his last five seasons, and the Packers are looking forward to the combination he creates with Preston Smith, as they continue making tough salary cap decisions to pay players they feel will not only help them win at their respective position, but also in the cap battle to free up enough money to appease All-Pro wideout Davante Adams.

Adams has reportedly made it clear he will not play under the franchise tag in 2022, and that means the Packers have to be deliberate in how they structure contracts such as the one Campbell just received.