The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of losing one of their most dynamic defensive players. Unfortunately, it is increasingly becoming inevitable that the 49ers will not bring back former Arkansas Razorback linebacker Dre Greenlaw. On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned on his podcast that he believes Greenlaw will sign elsewhere in free agency.
From Arkansas Razorbacks to NFL Star
Before making his mark in the NFL, Greenlaw was a standout linebacker for the Arkansas Razorbacks. While at Arkansas, he showcased his instincts, athleticism, and leadership on the field, traits that helped him transition seamlessly into the professional ranks. His college career set the foundation for his success with the 49ers, where he became a key contributor on their defense.
Cap Constraints and Injury Risks Weigh on the 49ers
"The 49ers are going to have to make a number of [cuts] this year," Schefter said. "They're going to lose talent in free agency. Talanoa Hufanga is going to be gone. Dre Greenlaw, I think, is going to be gone. They're going to lose a lot of talent in free agency. They're going to have to make cuts here to get under the salary cap in the coming week."
While Greenlaw's departure isn’t shocking, it is still a tough pill to swallow for San Francisco. The 49ers likely have a set budget for what they’re willing to pay Greenlaw, and exceeding that figure could be a significant risk, especially given his injury history. Greenlaw played just one-half and four football snaps before tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. While he is expected to make a full recovery by 2025, his durability remains a concern.
Greenlaw’s Value on the Open Market
Despite the injury, Greenlaw remains a coveted asset. ESPN ranked him as the 13th best available free agent in their Top 100 list. "Greenlaw played in only two games last season (Weeks 15-16) after tearing an Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII," ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote. He had back-to-back seasons of 120-plus tackles in 2022-23, and he added 1.5 sacks in 2023."
Once Greenlaw officially hits free agency, his value will likely increase due to competing offers from multiple teams. Although the 49ers have over $33 million in cap space, they may not prioritize Greenlaw's return due to other financial commitments, such as a potential contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy.
Potential Landing Spots for Greenlaw
- Houston Texans : Greenlaw has a strong connection with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was instrumental in his development during their time together in San Francisco. However, Houston’s salary cap situation could complicate a potential reunion.
- Las Vegas Raiders : The Raiders have long struggled to find a solid linebacker, and Greenlaw would be a perfect fit for their defense. With ample cap space, Las Vegas could make an aggressive push to land him.
- Chicago Bears : The Bears had a solid defense in 2024, but their linebacker corps remains a weak spot. Greenlaw would provide an immediate upgrade, and Chicago has the financial flexibility to offer him a lucrative deal
Final Thoughts
Losing Greenlaw will be a major blow for San Francisco, both in terms of production and energy on the field. However, financial constraints and injury concerns may make it difficult for the 49ers to justify keeping him. While his departure is unfortunate, his next team will be getting an elite, high-motor linebacker who can be a game-changer when he is healthy. All eyes will be on where Greenlaw ultimately lands, and his new team will be gaining a significant defensive asset.
