Greenlaw appeared in just two games last season after returning from an Achilles injury. The 49ers had hoped to bring him back, but a roster overhaul and unwillingness to overspend allowed the Denver Broncos to swoop in and sign the veteran linebacker.
"My brother!!" Warner wrote via Instagram (h/t Andy Lindquist of NBC Sports Bay Area). "One of the baddest boys to ever touch that green grass. We had moments that'll last a lifetime and they always remember how we rocked out everytime!! Ain't no 5-4 without 5-7. Go be legendary brudda, love always."
Warner had campaigned for Greenlaw's return, and it was reported that returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also hoped to keep the fan-favorite linebacker.
"That's the guy, I feel like, that has allowed me to ascend in this league," Warner said of Greenlaw last month. "... because of his ascension and the type of player that he is, how unselfish of a player that he is, how ferocious of a human being in a player that he is. And so, people, they look at me, but you can't see me without him, so I hope we get him back."
Greenlaw isn't the only notable departure. The 49ers have also parted ways with safety Talanoa Hufanga, who joins Greenlaw in Denver, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, cornerback Charvarius Ward, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and several others.
San Francisco selected Greenlaw (6-0, 230) out of Arkansas in the fifth round (No. 148 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has recorded 455 tackles (18 for a loss), nine quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, two touchdowns, and two forced fumbles in 64 games (56 starts) over his six NFL seasons, per Pro Football Reference.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Ji'Ayir Brown reflects on 'Welcome to the NFL' moment, Dre Greenlaw, Raheem Morris
The San Francisco 49ers selected Ji'Ayir Brown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the safety quickly found himself in the middle of a championship run. As a rookie, he contributed to a 49ers team that advanced all the way to the Super Bowl. Brown's role grew as the... -
49ers star George Kittle shares hilarious story about early-morning heroics
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is apparently a hero—at least in the eyes of his wife, Claire. On Wednesday, Kittle shared a humorous story on social media detailing his latest act of bravery: eliminating a spider that invaded their home in the middle of the... -
49ers wide receiver battle could be intriguing training camp storyline
Four wide receivers appear safe from any San Francisco 49ers roster cuts this offseason. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the group is expected to feature Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. After that, the battle for the remaining... -
49ers left guard battle: Can Carver Willis win the starting job?
While Carver Willis played tackle at the collegiate level, the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the fourth round with the expectation that he would move inside to guard. More specifically, Willis is expected to compete for the starting left guard job, which is currently the...