NFL Insider is predicting that 49ers free agent Dre Greenlaw is ready to move on from the team next month. According to the source, it’s becoming more realistic the 49ers are letting Greenlaw walk this offseason to test the free agent market as he wants a starting role. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Arkansas product missed the majority of the 2024 campaign with a brutal season-ending injury that came from 2023. Greenlaw isn’t the only 49er who is heading on his way out but safety Talanoa Hufanga could be another intriguing name in the market.
However, the linebacker wants a starting role with a new contract but the 49ers will likely be reluctant to that idea. He wants to run his own shop which seems odd he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in recent memory. As it stands, Greenlaw and Hufanga have yet to stay healthy for one single season and they’re already dealing with trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the 49ers might be resetting most of their roster to fit their financial situation. No one should expect him to sign a long-term extension with a team, but rather a “prove it” deal that works for both parties.
Despite that, he has a significant chance to revive his career with three teams next offseason that could see a spark in him if he can stay healthy.
NFL Insider Predicts 49ers Free Agent Dre Greenlaw is “Ready to Leave” – Chargers, Commanders, Saints Likely Next Best Teams
Restarting the Trenches
The Los Angeles Chargers defense will look completely different depending on the outcome of this year’s free agency. While they will improve its offense this upcoming offseason for quarterback Justin Herbert, they can’t mishandle Jesse Minter’s defensive line. Nobody loves playing an old-school football style of defense more than head coach Jim Harbaugh and he could probably bring out something in Greenlaw no one has seen before. The Eagles were able to win the Super Bowl with a strong defensive pass rush so the Chargers may likely take this route if they can play it nicely that fits in their scheme.
Khalil Mack will likely test the market while they release Joey Bosa to free up the salary cap. It leaves at least one opportunity for the Chargers to fit Greenlaw into their trenches. He wants a starting role and Greenlaw could sign a one-year deal to prove how he could be a force on the Chargers alongside Poona Ford if they decide to give him a new contract.
Other Fits
The Commanders is a match for Greenlaw since the current GM of Washington, Adam Peters, is the man responsible for drafting him when he was in San Francisco in 2019. There has yet to be an update on what they will do with veteran Bobby Wagner. However, they could sign Greenlaw pretty cheaply considering the chemistry is there and could have a chance to learn from Wagner if Washington decides to re-sign him
As for the Saints’ financial status, this is the perfect opportunity for them to sign a high-risk linebacker. Demario Davis is likely a cap casualty and won’t be able to retain Chase Young. Perhaps, Greenlaw is likely open as well to signing a lucrative cheap deal on a one-year basis to prove his explosiveness in New Orleans.
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