Dre Greenlaw leaving 49ers for Broncos on a 3-year, $35 million deal

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw tested free agency and found a new home. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report that the star defender is leaving the Bay Area to sign with the Denver Broncos, where he will join safety Talanoa Hufanga.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Greenlaw's deal with the Broncos is worth $35 million over three years.

The 49ers made it clear they wanted Greenlaw to return, but they were open to letting him test the market first.

"We're very interested in having Dre back, and [this is] one of those deals this time of year," general manager John Lynch said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "And we've had more time to do planning. But no matter how much planning you do, it always seems to—Dre should go out and see what's out there, and then we know where we have to be."

San Francisco selected Greenlaw (6-0, 230) in the fifth round (No. 148 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. The linebacker quickly established himself as a vital part of the 49ers' linebacker corps, creating a formidable duo with All-Pro Fred Warner.

In 2024, Greenlaw appeared in two games for the 49ers after returning from a torn Achilles. He recorded nine tackles, per Pro Football Reference. While his recovery limited his availability, Greenlaw is considered one of the team's most reliable defenders when he is healthy.

Greenlaw, 27, has amassed 455 tackles (18 for a loss), nine quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, one touchdown, and two forced fumbles in 64 career games (56 starts) across six seasons.

One of Greenlaw's most iconic moments came during his rookie season when he made a game-saving tackle on the goal line in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. The play secured a 26-21 win and the NFC's No. 1 seed for the 49ers, earning him a place in team lore.

Greenlaw's fiery playing style has made him a fan favorite in the Bay Area.