NFL news: Dre Greenlaw’s dream return to the San Francisco 49ers
After a year with the Denver Broncos, star linebacker Dre Greenlaw has returned to Santa Clara and the San Francisco 49ers.
Whilst in his time in Denver didn’t live up to the expectation, Greenlaw made his name with the 49ers, and will be a key figure if they are to improve on last year's playoff disappointment.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and 49ers fan Luca Salmasi reports on the latest arrival to the San Francisco franchise.
Homecoming
Dre Greenlaw was a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the first seven years of his pro career in the red and gold of San Francisco, but left for Denver in free agency last year.
Greenlaw’s best years in the NFL so far came in the 2022 and 2023 seasons when he logged over 100 tackles in both seasons.
In the 2023 playoffs he helped the Niners get to the Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs, however, he blew out his ACL during the middle of the game forcing him to miss the majority of the 2024 season whilst in recovery.
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Underwhelming time in Denver
On the back of his injury, Greenlaw would sign a three year $35million contract with the Denver Broncos ahead of the 2025 season, looking like a significant move for a player that could anchor their linebacker group, but ultimately the reality didn’t meet expectations.
Greenlaw struggled to stay healthy in Denver, missing a lot of time due to multiple injuries across the season as well as a one game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct limited him to just eight games across the season.
This left the Broncos no choice but to release him, opening up much needed cap space and putting Greenlaw back on the market.
Greenlaw adds veteran depth
Last season as an example made it clear that Greenlaw’s return is the 49ers not counting on him being the centerpiece but more so his experience with the franchise itself and his familiarity of winning football last time he was in Santa Clara.
The 2025 season saw injuries tear through the 49ers linebacking core and exposed how thin the roster was behind the starters.
Adding a veteran and someone who knows the franchise well, having been in some big games and understands the demands of the position gives coaches options when games aren’t in their control and during an NFL season they almost always have a chance of occurring.
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Linebacker duo back together
During the announcement of Greenlaw's return to the 49ers there was no one happier than elite linebacker Fred Warner who featured in some of the photos across social media a heartwarming full circle moment seeing the pair reunited.
The significance of the pair goes beyond their warm and close friendship off the field, as Warner and Greenlaw finished first and second on the team in tackles during four of their six seasons together, a crucial combination that helped power San Francisco to multiple deep playoff runs.
Their first chapter ended in agony when Greenlaw suffered a torn achilles right next to Warner as they were returning to the field during the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
However, Greenlaw’s return sets up competition with Dee Winters at linebacker. The one-year deal gives both sides flexibility; if Greenlaw can stay healthy, the 49ers could have one of the most dangerous linebacker pairings in the league.
New relationships
With Robert Saleh now in a head-coaching role with the Tennessee Titans, the team faces a transition on the defensive side of the ball.
Whilst Greenlaw will be familiar with the majority of the coaching staff, one person who will be essential to his return and one to create a successful working relationship with is new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
The key factor here is Greenlaw’s approach to the system Morris will implement, as he brings more aggression and versatility compared to the previous system the Niners ran.
A good relationship is essential for Greenlaw.
He essentially has a year to prove himself worthy of either extending his second stay in San Francisco or improving his stock to then make a move elsewhere in next year's free agency.
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