The San Francisco 49ers have continued to make notable moves this offseason, and their most recent could be the most popular among their entire fanbase — and that’s no slight to Mike Evans.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, formerly selected in the 5th-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2019, is reportedly returning on a short-term deal.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Greenlaw’s deal is for one year and worth $7.5 million.
Reunion: The #49ers are signing back one of their former stars, agreeing to terms with LB Dre Greenlaw, sources say.
The former SF draft pick spent last season with the #Broncos and now returns on a 1-year, $7.5M deal. pic.twitter.com/bCfAipbWPl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2026
After being selected by 49ers general manager John Lynch, Greenlaw didn’t take long to make his value and presence known. The six-foot linebacker from Arkansas played in 16 games his rookie season and quickly grew to be a pairing head coach Kyle Shanahan liked alongside Fred Warner (who was drafted one year prior).
Both Lynch and Shanahan remain in those same roles. Over the next five seasons, Greenlaw quickly became a fan favorite, playing a notable role in San Francisco, appearing in two Super Bowls and two additional Conference Championship games.
The more recent Super Bowl appearance came in 2023, where Greenlaw tragically suffered a torn left Achilles while simply running onto the field in the second quarter. Many believe San Francisco’s season could’ve ended differently if he had never gone down.
Playing in just two games the next season due to his late injury, he was then offered more money by the Denver Broncos (three years, $ 31.5 million) than the 49ers could comfortably offer at that time.
Yet, Denver elected to release Greenlaw after an up-and-down first season in which he played just eight games due to various injuries. Creating an additional $8 million in space also likely factored into their decision.
It works in San Francisco’s favor, as Greenlaw is set to reportedly rejoin Warner, Shanahan, Lynch, and the 49ers after just one year apart.
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Upcoming NFL Offseason Schedule
Monday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11 – Free agent negotiation period
Wednesday, March 11 – 2026 League Year begins & free agency opens
Sunday, March 29 – Wednesday, April 1 – NFL Annual League Meeting
Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – 2026 NFL Draft
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