Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers were one of the top contenders in the NFC last season despite dealing with more than their fair share of injury problems.
Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, it has been very clear that John Lynch and the front office are focused on competing for a Super Bowl next season. After an impressive run with multiple key players out last season, the 49ers clearly were not far away from a title.
Right off the bat in free agency, San Francisco took an aggressive swing. Mike Evans was signed to a three-year, $60.4 million contract. That move alone puts the 49ers even more on the map as a championship contender.
Another key move was made that flew more under-the-radar than expected.
After the Denver Broncos decided to part ways with linebacker Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco decided to bring him back. The 49ers signed him to a one-year, $6 million deal. That move has turned some heads across the NFL.
49ers’ Move to Reunite With Dre Greenlaw Draws Major Praise
Fox Sports took a look at the best “under-the-radar offseason deals” in the NFL this offseason. Greenlaw made the list at No. 2 behind the Atlanta Falcons signing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Rounding out the list in order were the Steelers signing Rico Dowdle, the Jets signing Nahshon Wright, the Bengals signing Jonathan Allen, the Chargers adding Tyler Biadasz, the Bears signing Coby Bryant, the Giants bringing in Jason Sanders, the Cowboys landing Cobie Durant, and the Chiefs signing Alohi Gilman.
If the past is a key indicator, Greenlaw returning to the 49ers is an excellent move for the franchise. He had a lot of success during his first tenure in San Francisco.
For a defense that has recently been one of the best in the NFL, the addition of Greenlaw makes them much better. Assuming he can stay healthy, the 49ers are bringing back a legitimate star.
Greenlaw’s Last Two Seasons Are a Cause for Concern
Unfortunately, there is risk with the team’s move to sign Greenlaw. He has only played in 10 games over the last two years due to injury.
At the end of the day, San Francisco has been known of late to be arguably the most injured team in football. Hopefully, Greenlaw is able to kick that trend.
Back in 2023 with the 49ers, however, Greenlaw was one of the better linebackers in the NFL. He played in 15 games, racking up 120 total tackles to go along with 1.5 sacks and four defended passes.
Throughout his entire 72-game NFL career, Greenlaw has produced big numbers. He has totaled 498 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 16 defended passes.
Only time will tell just how big of a move this will end up being for San Francisco. However, the 49ers have seen Greenlaw and Fred Warner have a lot of success playing alongside of each other.