March 22, 2026, 9:57 a.m. PT
The San Francisco 49ers had four linebackers set to hit free agency, but while re-signing Luke Gifford and Garret Wallow, general manager John Lynch improved the room by bringing back Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw, who spent his first six seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, signed a three-year deal with the Denver Broncos last year before the team cut him earlier this offseason.
According to Over the Cap, San Francisco signed Greenlaw to a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal includes four void years that help spread out the $2.5 million signing bonus for cap purposes.
Greenlaw’s contract is fully guaranteed with a $2.5 million base salary, $850,000 in per-game roster bonuses and a $50,000 workout bonus. He has a $3.55 million cap hit for 2026 and a $2.5 million cap hit in 2027.
Considering Greenlaw’s level of experience, history with the 49ers and contract situation, he’s essentially guaranteed a spot on the roster in 2026 and could receive an extension before the contract voids next offseason.
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Having Greenlaw in the middle of the defense with Fred Warner, Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune should set up San Francisco’s defense for success in their first year under Raheem Morris.
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