The 49ers are bringing back Dre Greenlaw on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the news on Thursday.
The 49ers also announced the signings of tight end Jake Tonges to a two-year deal, offensive lineman Vederian Lowe to a two-year contract, and OL Brett Toth to a one-year pact.
Greenlaw’s Journey Back to San Francisco
Greenlaw was originally drafted by the Niners in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He developed into a key player in San Francisco’s defence, becoming a starter in 2022. From 2022 to 2023, he made 30 starts, recording 247 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and two forced fumbles.
Greenlaw’s 2023 season saw him help the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII. However, he suffered an Achilles injury during the game, which sidelined him for most of the following campaign.
After appearing in just two games in 2024, Greenlaw departed San Francisco for a three-year, $35 million deal with the Denver Broncos. He struggled with injuries and after one season, Denver cut Greenlaw and chose to spend its cap on retaining two other linebackers (Justin Strnad, Alex Singleton), sending him back to free agency.
New Defensive Coordinator Awaits
Greenlaw returns to San Francisco with a new task: getting to know new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Morris replaced Robert Saleh after Saleh took the top job in Tennessee in January.
Depth and Experience
Greenlaw turns 29 in May. He will fill a depth role in San Francisco. The 49ers learned the value of trusted veterans down the depth chart after injuries impacted the linebacking corps last season.
- Dre Greenlaw returns to the 49ers on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.
- He played for the Denver Broncos for one season.
- He will fill a depth role in San Francisco.
The 49ers are welcoming back one of their own.