The San Francisco 49ers saw most of their free agents leave this offseason without much concern, except for linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The team underestimated Greenlaw’s market value, leading to a costly error when the Denver Broncos presented him with an offer. Despite last-minute attempts by 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan to retain him, Greenlaw chose to sign with Denver, leaving the 49ers to regret their miscalculation.

Greenlaw Shares His Perspective on Leaving San Francisco

For the first time since joining the Broncos, Dre Greenlaw spoke openly about his decision to depart the 49ers during free agency. He explained that being genuinely wanted played a critical role in his choice.

“It wasn’t easy, of course, but they wanted me,”

Greenlaw said.

“Throughout the whole time I was talking to Sean, there was no ifs, ands, buts, maybes, this or that. It was like ‘Man, we want you to be here.’ I was a foster kid growing up, so it’s not a lot of times people just wanted me, you know what I’m saying? It just made me feel special, it made me feel like this is the place where I needed to be.”

Greenlaw emphasized that the 49ers failed to communicate that same certainty and commitment when negotiating, only acting after Denver’s move, which he saw as a lack of respect. This delayed response contributed heavily to his decision to leave.

The Impact of the 49ers’ Hesitation on Their Linebacker Depth

Greenlaw was looking for a team that showed eagerness from the start, something he found in Denver. The 49ers’ reactive approach meant they missed the chance to keep a key defensive player who provided important linebacker depth alongside Fred Warner. San Francisco now faces uncertainty at that position as Greenlaw’s departure leaves a significant gap.

While Greenlaw’s desire to become the Broncos’ top linebacker factored into his decision, his comments indicate that the timing and tone of the 49ers’ interest were more definitive reasons for the switch. The Broncos’ strong commitment gave Greenlaw the assurance he sought, which San Francisco failed to provide promptly.

What This Means for the Future

Of all the offseason departures from the 49ers, Dre Greenlaw’s exit stands out as a regrettable loss. His absence forces the team to rethink their linebacker strategy going forward while serving as a lesson in valuing and prioritizing key players during free agency. For Greenlaw, the move represents more than a change of jersey—it is a choice to be in a place where he feels truly wanted.

“I wanted to be where I was accepted, where I was wanted, and this was the right place for me.”