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49ers Reunite With Former Fan Favorite Defensive Star
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw returns to San Francisco on a one-year deal after one season with the Denver Broncos.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:05pm
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The San Francisco 49ers have signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a one-year, $7.5 million contract, reuniting the team with the former fan favorite. Greenlaw spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers before signing with the Denver Broncos last offseason, but was released after just one year. The 49ers are bringing him back to bolster their linebacker corps as they look to make another deep playoff run.
Why it matters
Greenlaw was a key part of the 49ers' defense during his time with the team, forming a strong partnership with star linebacker Fred Warner. His return provides experience and depth at a position that was thin for the 49ers during their postseason run last year. The 49ers are also dealing with some uncertainty at linebacker, with Dee Winters coming off an injury-plagued season and the team drafting Nick Martin in the third round.
The details
Greenlaw, 28, signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Broncos last offseason but was released after just one year due to injuries and a one-game suspension. In eight games with the Broncos, he recorded 43 tackles, one sack, one interception, two pass deflections and a forced fumble. The 49ers originally drafted Greenlaw in the fifth round in 2019, and he quickly became a fan favorite due to his physical style of play.
- Greenlaw signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the 49ers on March 12, 2026.
- Greenlaw was released by the Denver Broncos on March 11, 2026, after one season with the team.
The players
Dre Greenlaw
A 28-year-old linebacker who spent his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2025. He is now returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal.
Fred Warner
The star linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, who formed a strong partnership with Greenlaw during his previous tenure with the team.
Dee Winters
A linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers who had a breakout season in 2025 but was hampered by injuries.
Nick Martin
A linebacker drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round in 2025, who could see an increased role with the team.
Bryce Huff
An edge rusher for the San Francisco 49ers who surprisingly retired from the NFL shortly after Greenlaw signed with the team.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The 49ers will need to determine how Greenlaw fits into their linebacker rotation and whether he can stay healthy after dealing with injuries in recent seasons.
The takeaway
Greenlaw's return to the 49ers provides experience and depth at a key position, but the team will need to manage his injury history and integrate him with their younger linebackers as they aim to make another deep playoff run.
