The Denver Broncos have made a significant acquisition by signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract, outbidding competitors for this top-10 talent. At 28 years old, Greenlaw brings proven playmaking ability to Denver’s defense, aiming to boost their competitiveness.
Greenlaw’s Career Achievements Highlight His Potential
Over six seasons, Greenlaw has recorded 455 tackles and scored two defensive touchdowns, showcasing his skill as a dynamic defender. Despite suffering a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII, he managed eight tackles in just 30 snaps last season. An NFL coordinator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “He’s a total savage,” and praised his ceiling as a top-five linebacker when fully healthy. The San Francisco 49ers fought fiercely to retain Greenlaw, with general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan traveling to Texas to make a last attempt at keeping him. An anonymous 49ers source described the team’s feeling as, “The remorse was real,” reflecting the disappointment of losing a key player. Ultimately, Greenlaw opted for a fresh start with Denver.
Injury Concerns Loom but Confidence Remains High in Denver
Injuries have been a challenge for Greenlaw, as he has missed 36 games since 2020, including most of the 2024 season due to his Achilles injury. A recent quad strain caused some apprehension, but both Greenlaw and the Broncos clarified that this was part of his rehabilitation, expecting a full recovery in time for training camp. Former teammate Fred Warner expressed optimism about Greenlaw’s future, stating to The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, “He’s just getting started.” Greenlaw joins a group of high-risk, high-reward players in Denver, including Talanoa Hufanga and Evan Engram. Broncos head coach Sean Payton places great trust in the team’s conditioning staff, citing the franchise’s strong track record with injury prevention.
Anticipation Builds for Greenlaw’s Return to the Field
The key question for Broncos fans is whether Greenlaw can maintain his health and bring his intense playing style back to the field. His first opportunity to showcase his impact will come when Denver faces the 49ers in the 2025 preseason, a matchup that highlights the story of his transition. Success for Greenlaw could redefine Denver’s defensive identity and offer a significant boost to a team hungry for improvement.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dre Greenlaw healthy?
A. He’s expected to be ready for training camp and will be a starting linebacker when the regular season begins. Despite some false reports, Denver confirms their linebacker, Dre Greenlaw, is in good health.
Q. Is Dre Greenlaw activated?
A. The San Francisco 49ers have taken linebacker Dre Greenlaw off the physically unable to perform list. This move comes before their Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium, the team said.