NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Greenlaw's deal with the Broncos is worth $35 million over three years.
The 49ers made it clear they wanted Greenlaw to return, but they were open to letting him test the market first.
"We're very interested in having Dre back, and [this is] one of those deals this time of year," general manager John Lynch said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "And we've had more time to do planning. But no matter how much planning you do, it always seems to—Dre should go out and see what's out there, and then we know where we have to be."
San Francisco selected Greenlaw (6-0, 230) in the fifth round (No. 148 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. The linebacker quickly established himself as a vital part of the 49ers' linebacker corps, creating a formidable duo with All-Pro Fred Warner.
In 2024, Greenlaw appeared in two games for the 49ers after returning from a torn Achilles. He recorded nine tackles, per Pro Football Reference. While his recovery limited his availability, Greenlaw is considered one of the team's most reliable defenders when he is healthy.
Greenlaw, 27, has amassed 455 tackles (18 for a loss), nine quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, one touchdown, and two forced fumbles in 64 career games (56 starts) across six seasons.
One of Greenlaw's most iconic moments came during his rookie season when he made a game-saving tackle on the goal line in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. The play secured a 26-21 win and the NFC's No. 1 seed for the 49ers, earning him a place in team lore.
Greenlaw's fiery playing style has made him a fan favorite in the Bay Area.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling named Offensive Rookie of the Year sleeper
The San Francisco 49ers used their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—No. 33 overall—on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, an intriguing playmaker out of Ole Miss who could quickly earn a role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Of course, Stribling will have to climb the... -
49ers' Mykel Williams among NFL's second-year players facing the most pressure
For the San Francisco 49ers, the defensive front was once a strength of the team, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and overwhelming offensive lines. That wasn't the case last season, however, as the unit recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Determined... -
Watch: 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall gears up to silence doubters in 2026
San Francisco 49ers veterans report to training camp on Saturday, and for wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 2026 season represents a chance to prove he was worthy of the team's first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearsall has missed 14 games over his first two NFL... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...