A10-7 season in 2024 resulted in a Wild Card Playoff berth for the Denver Broncos. Looking to bolster themselves for 2025, the Broncos went on a spending spree in free agency that has brought in multiple starters, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw was an unsung hero for the San Francisco 49ers during his six years with the organization.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra listed the Broncos signing Greenlaw among free agency’s “best” moves.
“Is it risky to sign a player who played a grand total of 34 snaps coming off an Achilles injury? Certainly. But it’s also how you get a reasonable rate. Greenlaw felt like a sure bet to ink a one-year deal to show he was fully healthy before hitting the market again. For that reason, it was smart of the Broncos to tack on extra years to entice Greenlaw to leave San Francisco,” Patra wrote on March 13.
“Turning 28 this offseason, Greenlaw remains one of the top linebackers in the NFL. His two-plus quarters played last year were some of the best any linebacker put on film. Question the injury? Sure. Question the film? Nope. If he’s healthy next season, this is a smashing move for Vance Joseph’s defense.”
Greenlaw appeared in two games in 2024 due to injuries. But in 2023, he recorded 120 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks. That was his second straight season with at least 120 combined stops.
He has 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 recoveries in his career, returning one of both types of takeaways for touchdowns.
Dre Greenlaw Gives Broncos ‘Difference-Making’ LB at Bargain Price
Greenlaw’s three-year, $35 million contract with Greenlaw ranks 10th in total value, eightth on average, per Spotrac. His guaranteed money and how the deal is structured could change how it is viewed, but it appears to be a bargain, especially considering the Broncos’ needs.
“Greenlaw is the type of patroller Denver needs behind Zach Allen, Johnathon Cooper and the up-field pass rushers. He can gobble up ball-carriers and is a premier cover linebacker. Greenlaw is an immediate upgrade against running backs and tight ends in the passing game, where the Broncos were peppered last season (179 total catches allowed between RBs and TEs),” Patra wrote.
“You’re telling me I can get a difference-making coverage linebacker for a shade over Azeez Al-Shaair money? Yes, please. I’ll worry about potential injury fallout later.”
