SF Dre Greenlaw
NFL player. Position: Linebacker. Team: SF.
Quick Facts
- Position: Linebacker
- Team: SF (San Francisco 49ers)
- Notable: Returning to 49ers after 2025 season with Denver Broncos
2026 Outlook
Dre Greenlaw is reuniting with Fred Warner to reform the elite linebacker tandem the 49ers had two years ago. According to NFL Network's Steve Wyche, the pair "two years ago were the best linebacker tandem in the NFL." Greenlaw spent the 2025 season with Denver but signed with San Francisco in free agency. Together with Warner, they bring speed and the ability to attack opposing offenses — a critical component of the 49ers' defensive scheme under new coordinator Raheem Morris. (per Steve Wyche Breaks Down Why 49ers Defense Could Be Among NFL's Best)
The 49ers traded Luke Winters (who had emerged as a productive linebacker) to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick, clearing the depth chart for Greenlaw to step in as a starter alongside Warner. (per 2026 NFL IDP Sleepers Fantasy Football – Linebackers)
The NFL's new three-strike suspension rule—which suspends players after three violations in a season (hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, launching, or blindside block)—adds risk for aggressive defenders like Greenlaw. With unclear enforcement and subjective calls on defenseless-player flags, Greenlaw could face unexpected suspension if officials view his tackling style as violating the rule. (per NFL and NFLPA just handed refs a loaded three-strike rule)
Role / Depth Chart
Linebacker. Starting linebacker alongside Fred Warner for the 49ers defense.
Injury Status
No current injuries reported.
Recent News
- 2026-08-01 — What Dre Greenlaw texted Deebo Samuel about 49ers return during NFL free agency (What Dre Greenlaw texted Deebo Samuel about 49ers return during NFL free agency)
- 2026-08-02 — Dre Greenlaw Highlights 49ers' Culture as Reason for Deebo Samuel Return (Dre Greenlaw Highlights 49ers' Culture as Reason for Deebo Samuel Return)
- 2026-03-17 — Richard Sherman Highlights what Dre Greenlaw Brings on his 49ers Return (Richard Sherman Highlights what Dre Greenlaw Brings on his 49ers Return)
- 2026-07-08 — Steve Wyche Breaks Down Why 49ers Defense Could Be Among NFL's Best (Steve Wyche Breaks Down Why 49ers Defense Could Be Among NFL's Best)