San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

It’s not hyperbole to say the San Francisco 49ers’ No. 1 re-sign priority this offseason is linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

For those who doubt it, all that’s needed is to evaluate the Niners defense before Greenlaw’s untimely injury departure in Super Bowl 58 and thereafter, stretching throughout almost all of the 2024 campaign.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh wants Greenlaw, a pending free agent, back in a big way. But there’s concern Greenlaw wants to step out from behind All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner’s shadow and assume a bigger role elsewhere in 2025, casting doubts whether or not the former would entertain a new deal to remain in the Bay Area.

Combined with the desire to navigate the salary cap while also offering a lucrative contract extension to quarterback Brock Purdy, it’s understandable why San Francisco might be pressed into bidding Greenlaw farewell this offseason. 

But, there’s good news on this front.

Salary-cap increase affords 49ers better chance to re-sign Dre Greenlaw

This week, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported a hefty increase of the 2025 salary cap, up from last year’s figure of $255.4 million to as much as $281.5 million:

According to Over the Cap, which estimates the 2025 cap right in the middle of that rage at $279.5 million, the 49ers will have $50.6 million in cap space.

Greenlaw will be one of the league’s more sought-after free agents despite missing the bulk of 2024 because of his Achilles tear, and OTC valued last year’s campaign at just $661,000. Of course, anyone who watched Greenlaw play in recent years understands his value exceeds that significantly, but it doesn’t bar the chance of a one-year prove-it deal to ensure he’s fully healthy.

In contrast, though, all it would take is for one team out there to put a price tag on Greenlaw that’d exceed the Niners’ comfort level to re-sign him.

With the hefty cap increase, however, San Francisco might be more comfortable offering the 27 year old a bigger contract, perhaps something like two years worth up to $20 million total. That would be a substantial raise over the previous two-year, $16.4 million contract he signed, previously.

Prior to the news about the cap’s increase, the 49ers may have hesitated to dish out that kind of cash.

Now, they’d potentially be more willing to do so.