LOS ANGELES — Kyle Juszczyk has a special place in his heart for Dre Greenlaw, who is returning to the 49ers for the 2026 NFL season. 

The 10-time Pro Bowl fullback is in Southern California for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic this weekend and spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area about the linebacker’s return. 

“Oh man, I have a soft soft spot for Dre because I still remember his rookie year,” Juszczyk said with a smile. “He was trying to establish himself and he had a good lick on me when, I’ll say, I wasn’t expecting it. It’s Dre Greenlaw, the guy can bring it. You got to be able to bring it and know that he’s going to come with intensity no matter what.” 

Greenlaw, who spent the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos after signing a three-year $31.5 million contract, was released this month during NFL free agency. The 49ers’ front office quickly reached out to their former 2019 fifth-round draft pick and signed him to a one-year, $7.5 million contract. 

“To me it’s not even an addition, it’s like he never left, honestly,” Juszczyk said. “It’s crazy to even think we didn’t have Dre for a year, but the amount of energy, intensity that he’s going to bring to that defense, man, it’s going to be so awesome to have him back.” 

Greenlaw only appeared in eight games for Denver due to injury but now will join forces with fellow linebacker Fred Warner, who is set to return after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 6 of the 2025 season. 

Lined up in front of the two linebackers in the coming season is another 49ers addition Juszczyk believes is perfect for the defensive-line room — Osa Odighizuwa. 

“Man even just from the few clips that I’ve seen, the guy seems to move differently and that’s what we need,” Juszczyk said. “It seems like he’s got some genuine power, [and] athleticism on the interior defensive line which you don’t see a lot of in those big bodies like that. Really excited about that addition.” 

The 49ers traded their 2026 third-round pick with the Dallas Cowboys for the defensive tackle, who is known for successfully battling double teams while still applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Odighizuwa will join Alfred Collins, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and CJ West on the line’s interior.

Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both are coming back from season-ending ACL injuries and are likely to appreciate the support from the inside while they lock down the edges. Keion White could be ready for training camp as well after undergoing ankle surgery following a gunshot wound in early February. 

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast