A familiar defensive leader returns to San Francisco, reuniting with Fred Warner to bolster the 49ers' linebacker corps.
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back a familiar face to their defense, reuniting with linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal after his brief stint with the Denver Broncos.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported that Greenlaw agreed to a one-year contract worth $7.5 million to return to San Francisco. The move reunites Greenlaw with the team that drafted him and where he developed into one of the key pieces of the defense alongside All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
Greenlaw originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft. Over the next several seasons, he grew into a reliable starter and emotional leader on defense. Between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Greenlaw started 30 games and totaled 247 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles.
He played a major role in helping San Francisco reach Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season, but his momentum was halted in heartbreaking fashion. Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles while running from the sideline onto the field during the Super Bowl, an injury that forced him to miss nearly the entire following season.
After recovering, Greenlaw signed with Denver in free agency ahead of the 2025 season on a three-year deal. However, injuries continued to limit him, as he appeared in just eight games during the year. In those appearances, Greenlaw recorded 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception.
Following the season, the Broncos elected to move on and released the veteran linebacker, sending him back into free agency.
It didn’t take long for a reunion to materialize.
By returning to San Francisco, Greenlaw reunites with Warner, forming a linebacker duo that had previously been one of the league’s most productive and physical tandems. The 49ers also saw younger players step up at the position last season when injuries struck the unit. Linebackers Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune both saw significant playing time, while rookie linebacker Nick Martin also remains part of the room.
Still, Greenlaw’s return gives the 49ers a proven veteran presence and another experienced option in the middle of their defense. If he can stay healthy, the 28 year old could once again play a key role next to Warner while providing leadership for a linebacker group that now has a mix of youth and experience.
For Greenlaw, the move represents a chance to get his career back on track in a familiar environment. And for San Francisco, it’s a reunion with a player who has already proven he can thrive in their system.