The Denver Broncos are releasing inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, reports stated on Monday, ending a disappointing one-year tenure for the former San Francisco 49ers standout.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported the move.
The release saves Denver approximately $6 million against the salary cap while leaving $4.3 million in dead money.
The Broncos had until March 15 — the fifth day of the NFL’s new league year — to make a decision before $2 million of Greenlaw’s 2026 salary became fully guaranteed.
Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos last March, but the deal included a potential out after one season. He ultimately earned approximately $10.5 million for a single injury-riddled campaign.
The 28-year-old missed the first six games of the 2025 season with a quad injury, then served a one-game suspension following his Broncos debut. Another quad injury sidelined him for the regular-season finale. When healthy, Greenlaw was productive, totaling 43 tackles, two pass breakups, two quarterback hits, one interception and one sack in eight games (seven starts).
Denver will move forward at inside linebacker with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad — both of whom were free agents that already signed back with the team. The two played nearly 1,800 defensive snaps last season.
The 2026 NFL Draft is considered slid at linebacker, with prospects such as Jalon Reese (Georgia Tech), LaMiles Brooks (LSU) and Josiah Trotter (Missouri) potentially available when the Broncos pick at No. 30 overall.
For Greenlaw, a reunion with San Francisco could be in play. The 49ers lost All-Pro Fred Warner to a serious ankle injury last season and could use reinforcements at the position. Greenlaw spent his first five NFL seasons in the bay (2019-2024), earning a reputation as a physical, instinctive linebacker before injuries began to mount.