Linebacker Dre Greenlaw opens up on Broncos departure

Greenlaw cites struggles with scheme change and injuries as reasons for unhappiness in Denver

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:06pm

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Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has discussed his brief and tumultuous tenure with the Denver Broncos, citing difficulties adapting to their 3-4 defensive scheme after playing in a 4-3 system, as well as injuries that limited his playing time. Greenlaw, who was released by the Broncos in March after just one season, said he was ultimately unhappy with the situation and is excited to return to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal.

Why it matters

Greenlaw's comments provide insight into the challenges players can face when switching teams and schemes, especially when dealing with injuries. His experience highlights the importance of scheme fit and player health in the NFL, and his return to the 49ers represents an opportunity to rebound after a disappointing year in Denver.

The details

Greenlaw signed a three-year contract with the Broncos last offseason but missed the first six games of the year with a quad injury. He was then suspended for the eighth game due to an altercation with a referee, and dealt with a hamstring injury towards the end of the season. In total, Greenlaw played in just 10 games for the Broncos, who released him in March. Greenlaw cited the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense as a major factor in his struggles, saying he was unable to properly practice the new scheme due to his injuries.

  • Greenlaw signed a three-year deal with the Broncos prior to the 2025 season.
  • Greenlaw missed the first six games of the 2025 season with a quad injury.
  • Greenlaw was suspended for the Broncos' eighth game of the 2025 season due to an altercation with a referee.
  • Greenlaw dealt with a hamstring injury towards the end of the 2025 season.
  • The Broncos released Greenlaw in March 2026.

The players

Dre Greenlaw

A linebacker who signed with the Denver Broncos in 2025 after spending his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who Greenlaw said he was thankful to play for.

Brad Allen

The NFL referee Greenlaw was involved in an altercation with, leading to a suspension.

Terron Armstead

A former NFL player who hosted the podcast where Greenlaw discussed his time with the Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“Going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 was a huge difference, especially not being able to practice in the defense. It's just kinda like, for me, the fact that I'm not healthy, I don't feel that twitch or that gear that I felt like I need to have, but, obviously, I'm out here trying to do everything I can to be on the field.”

— Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker

“It makes it tough when you pay a guy $11 mil and he's only on the field 50 percent of the time. It made it tough for me. It made it to the point where it kind of makes you not happy.”

— Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker

What’s next

Greenlaw will look to bounce back with the San Francisco 49ers, the team that originally drafted him, after signing a one-year deal with them following his release from the Broncos.

The takeaway

Greenlaw's experience in Denver underscores the challenges players can face when transitioning to a new defensive scheme, especially when dealing with injuries. His return to the 49ers represents an opportunity for him to regain his form and contribute to a team he is more familiar with.