San Francisco 49ers LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw
Getty
San Francisco 49ers LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw
The San Francisco 49ers seemingly made a steal in free agency by signing back veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw. After a disappointing season with the Denver Broncos, Greenlaw has returned to the place where he spent the first six years of his career (2019-2024). Now on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, he will look to have something of a rebirth in 2026.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke about Greenlaw’s impact on the team while at the league meetings in Phoenix this week. He referenced Greenlaw’s passion and ability to do everything right as reasons why it was tough to let him walk in free agency.
Signing Dre Greenlaw Was a Bargain for the San Francisco 49ers
Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
GettyDre Greenlaw was drafted by the Niners out of Arkansas in 2019.
Here is what Payton had to specifically say about why it was tough to let go of Greenlaw:
“He’s so passionate. I would say, in my coaching career, I’ve been lucky enough to coach a lot of passionate players that love the game, and I think I’m always disappointed, internally, that it didn’t work out because I love that player. I love how (Greenlaw) competes. I love all the things he brings. And you feel somewhat responsible when it doesn’t work out.”
Luca Evans
Sean Payton on #Broncos releasing Dre Greenlaw:
“I’m always disappointed that that didn’t work out. Because I love that player. I love how he competes. And I love all the things he brings. And you feel somewhat responsible when it doesn’t work out.”
Greenlaw’s 2025 season followed the theme of his 2024 season. It was marred by injuries. He played in just eight regular-season games and started in seven. For context, during the 2024 season, he played in just two games. In his eight games last season, he recorded 43 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
As he enters the 2026 season fully healthy, his previous experience with the Niners can help him find the success that he had earlier in his career. Particularly over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the former fifth-round pick showed off how elite he can be. Across those two seasons combined, he recorded 247 total tackles, eight total tackles for loss, and 10 total pass deflections.
Dre Greenlaw Helped the 49ers Get off the Ground Under Kyle Shanahan’s Tenure
The 49ers were a struggling franchise before Greenlaw and other key veterans came along. Since being drafted by San Francisco in 2019, Greenlaw helped the team win at least 10 games in four of his six seasons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. would also make four playoff appearances, win three division titles, and earn their way to four NFC Championship games, along with two Super Bowls. Before Greenlaw’s arrival, the Niners hadn’t made the playoffs in the previous half-decade.
Now that he is back in the Bay Area, he has the chance to find some success again. He is now re-joining a defense that includes the likes of All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner and Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. Despite the loss of former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is now the head coach of the Titans, this group still has the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. In fact, after another 12-win season, Shanahan and Co. have a great chance to get back to a Super Bowl this season.