Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
Getty
Former San Francisco 49ers teammates Fred Warner #54 and Dre Greenlaw #57 celebrate against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII.
The San Francisco 49ers are welcoming back a familiar face to their building. With a potential need at inside linebacker, GM John Lynch chose to sign someone who knows everything about playing the position and playing it for the Niners. That player is none other than veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
According to ESPN insider Nick Wagoner, San Francisco is bringing back Greenlaw on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. The 28-year-old returns to the Bay Area after being released by the Denver Broncos just one season into a three-year deal that was worth $31.5 million.
The San Francisco 49ers Add Linebacker Depth with Dre Greenlaw
Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
GettyDre Greenlaw was drafted by the 49ers back in 2019.
49ers fans remember Greenlaw being drafted out of Arkansas in the fifth round nearly seven years ago. An immediate impact defender for head coach Kyle Shanahan, he recorded 92 total tackles, three tackles for loss, multiple pass deflections, and an interception as a rookie en route to helping the team reach the Super Bowl during the 2019 season. Over the next five seasons, Greenlaw would record multiple seasons with at least 120 tackles and five pass deflections.
He and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner formed one of the league’s most underrated linebacking duos for over a half-decade. Now, they will get to team back up in an effort to help the Niners capture that illustrious Super Bowl title that has eluded them over the last 32 years. Remember, San Francisco reached two total Super Bowls with Greenlaw on the roster and could not get the job done.
The 49ers’ defense is Likely to Improve in 2026
Nick Bosa San Francisco 49ers
Getty49ers edge-rusher Nick Bosa has made five Pro Bowls with the team.
It is no secret that the Niners dropped off on defense in 2025. That is partially due to All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa and Warner both missing time with major injuries. But the defense finished the season ranked 20th in total defense (340.2 YPG) and 25th in pass defense (232.4 YPG). It also finished the season with 16 total turnovers forced (T-24th). This offseason, the team ended up losing defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to the Tennessee Titans, who named him their new head coach.
In a corresponding move, the 49ers signed former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to be their new defensive coordinator. With a fresh defensive perspective and a healthy defense, the 49ers could be back to their usual ways on that side of the football. Greenlaw, despite battling injuries the last two seasons and playing in a total of 12 games, including playoffs, his experience and leadership could both be great assets for the team from the Bay Area.
While Greenlaw was one impactful addition, the 49ers have made multiple of those in recent days. Between the signing of future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans and trading for talented defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, San Francisco is prepared to go all the way in 2026. In a stacked NFC West, which possesses the 12-win 49ers, the 12-win Rams, and the Super Bowl-champion Seahawks, the 49ers should have no other mindset.