San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Dre Greenlaw Tackles Green Bay Packers’ Running Back Emanuel Wilson in NFC Divisional Playoffs

The San Francisco 49ers have an eventful offseason ahead, marked by critical decisions. One of the first on their agenda is the expected release of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, which general manager John Lynch has already confirmed will happen by March. Following this, a significant move on the horizon will be securing quarterback Brock Purdy with a contract extension, a strategic step that will impact the team’s plans for free agency.

Roster Challenges and Key Free Agents

The 49ers face the challenge of managing a roster with 34 impending free agents, including several high-profile players. Among them are cornerback Charvarius Ward, former All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, 2021 second-round pick Aaron Banks, and the team’s leading rusher in 2021, Elijah Mitchell. However, the most significant question remains the fate of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who has been widely regarded as the team’s “most important free agent” to re-sign this offseason.

The Insider’s Perspective: Greenlaw’s Return to the 49ers

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco shared his insights on the future of Dre Greenlaw during a recent appearance on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus.” Maiocco strongly believes that Greenlaw will return to the 49ers for the 2025 season. According to Maiocco, “I think he’s going to be back, because I don’t think any team, unless they have a close tie to Dre Greenlaw, would want to pay him top money.” Maiocco emphasized Greenlaw’s Achilles injury, sustained in Super Bowl 58, which continued to affect his performance in the 2023 season, limiting him to playing only half a game before suffering a calf injury.

Despite this setback, Greenlaw made a powerful emotional return in a Week 15 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived as another injury led the 49ers to shut him down for the rest of the season. Maiocco believes that these injuries may affect Greenlaw’s market value, making the 49ers a likely destination for his return.

Potential Suitors for Greenlaw

While the 49ers seem like the most probable landing spot for Greenlaw, Maiocco pointed out that other teams may still express interest. Teams with existing ties to Greenlaw could potentially vie for his services, such as the Houston Texans, where head coach DeMeco Ryans might be interested, or the Washington Commanders, who have a connection with Adam Peters. However, Maiocco remains skeptical about a large market for Greenlaw due to his injury history, suggesting that teams may be cautious about signing a free agent with such concerns.

The 49ers’ Commitment to Greenlaw

Despite Greenlaw’s injury challenges, 49ers general manager John Lynch has made it clear that the team is committed to bringing the linebacker back. Lynch has expressed, “We’re doing everything in the world we can to bring Greenlaw back. We’re not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people.”

As the 49ers embark on their offseason planning, the future of Dre Greenlaw remains a hot-button topic, with many eyes on how the team will handle his contract situation in the coming months.

Looking Ahead: Greenlaw’s Future

Given Greenlaw’s injury history and the 49ers’ awareness of his physical condition, Maiocco predicts that the linebacker could return on a one-year, prove-it deal. This would give Greenlaw the opportunity to regain his full health before testing the free agent market again in the following year.

For the San Francisco 49ers, keeping Greenlaw on the roster would not only preserve their defensive strength but also maintain continuity within the linebacker corps. As free agency approaches, Dre Greenlaw’s future will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines in San Francisco’s offseason.