In addition to Warner, the 49ers saw adequate play from Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune this past season. As we found out, depth is valuable, especially for a team that relies so heavily on its linebackers in both the run game and pass defense.
Three linebackers the 49ers might look to add/retain this offseason to bolster their lineup
Eric Kendricks
A reunion with veteran Eric Kendricks remains a strong possibility. 49ers general manager John Lynch recently mentioned that he'd love to see Kendricks take the field with Warner in 2026.
"Yeah, absolutely," Lynch said when asked if Kendricks was a player the team would like to bring back. "Eric, I can't say enough. He came in and it probably took more time than he wanted, but it happened in short order and he played, and played really well. Helped us win a tough playoff game in Philly. Played really well for a couple of weeks in a row."
Erik Kendricks joined the 49ers late in the 2025 season, signing in November and making his debut in Week 16. Injuries among the linebacker corps thrust Kendricks into a starting role, where he was almost unfairly relied upon by now former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and made an immediate impact in his lone regular-season start. In one start and three regular-season appearances, Kendricks amassed six tackles.
However, it was during the postseason that Kendricks truly excelled. Across two playoff games, he posted 11 solo tackles—including three for a loss—added eight assists, and defended two passes, demonstrating both his experience and his knack for high-leverage moments. Analytical measures showed Kendricks' run-stop percentage ranked in the top quartile among playoff linebackers, while his coverage grade improved notably from his regular-season output.
Retaining Kendricks provides the 49ers not only with a seasoned presence but also proven postseason reliability and schematic versatility.
Dre Greenlaw
While we're on the topic of reunions, how about another idea?
Despite 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch's last-ditch effort to retain him, Dre Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Denver Broncos last offseason.
Greenlaw started seven games in 2025, compiling 43 tackles and a sack. While his postseason contributions were more subdued—logging 10 assisted tackles and no solos—his first full season since returning from a devastating non-contact Achilles injury suffered in the Super Bowl, 49ers fans remember all too well.
The Broncos face a pivotal decision by March 15th regarding a $2 million team opt-out, and should Greenlaw become available, his familiarity with the 49ers' defensive scheme and locker room culture makes him a compelling target for either a starting or rotational role alongside Warner and Winters.
Alex Anzalone
Alex Anzalone had been a key captain in Detroit's linebacker corps since Dan Campbell became head coach. The two were familiar with each other during their time together with the New Orleans Saints, Anazlone, a player, and Campbell, an assistant coach. Anzalone was one of the first players Campbell sought to bring to Detroit to help reshape their culture.
Now, Anzalone could hit the open market as the Lions navigate salary cap constraints—especially following the emergence of Jack Campbell.
In 2025, Anzalone started 16 games, amassing 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine passes defended, and an interception. He's really excellent in coverage; his passer rating allowed when targeted was 72.8, and his forced incompletion rate stood at 11%.
Spotrac projects his annual salary at just over $7 million, a figure that may end up being too rich for the 49ers, but if not, he'd be an excellent veteran to pair with Warner and rotate in with Winters. Anzalone's blend of coverage skills and leadership would fortify San Francisco's second level, particularly against the likes of Matthew Stafford and the Rams.
Written By:
Bob served as a site editor for two FanSided sites from 2018 to 2025. He has also been a contributor to 49ers Webzone, part of USA Today Sports, since 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob has written and edited numerous articles across both networks. In addition to sports writing, he has taken on creative writing opportunities in the past, crafting slogans and articles for clothing companies and analyzing odds for various sports betting outlets. When he isn't writing, Bob manages his family farm, established in 1928, and is the president and owner of Bob Heyrman Farms LTD. During his downtime, he enjoys dining in beautiful downtown Detroit and attending various sporting events.
All articles by Bob Heyrman
Bob Heyrman
Bob served as a site editor for two FanSided sites from 2018 to 2025. He has also been a contributor to 49ers Webzone, part of USA Today Sports, since 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bob has written and edited numerous articles across both networks. In addition to sports writing, he has taken on creative writing opportunities in the past, crafting slogans and articles for clothing companies and analyzing odds for various sports betting outlets. When he isn't writing, Bob manages his family farm, established in 1928, and is the president and owner of Bob Heyrman Farms LTD. During his downtime, he enjoys dining in beautiful downtown Detroit and attending various sporting events.
All articles by Bob Heyrman
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