Dre Greenlaw’s Return to the 49ers: A Journey Away from the Broncos

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw found his way back to the San Francisco 49ers after a stint with the Denver Broncos that didn’t quite fit him. He initially signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos, but parted ways almost a year later. Greenlaw returned to his former team, the 49ers, on a one-year contract.

Adjusting to Denver’s altitude proved difficult for Greenlaw. As he shared with The Athletic, the dry air impacted his comfort and sleep. “F—ing altitude,” he said. “My mouth’s dry, my nose is dry, I can’t sleep. … I’m fighting demons left and right.” In contrast, he appreciates the fresh air in California. “This fresh air, bro, it makes a difference. You feel like you can run all day out here,” Greenlaw noted.

His time with the Broncos started on a tough note. A severe quadriceps strain on the second day of training sessions sidelined him until the seventh game of the season. His relationship with head coach Sean Payton also seemed strained as injuries kept Greenlaw off the field more than he would have liked.

“We were good, especially when I first came in,” Greenlaw reflected. Yet setbacks, such as a quadriceps injury, led to challenges. “After that, you kind of feel when the coach is, like, not really messing with you. I felt alone,” he admitted.

Throughout the season, Greenlaw appeared in only eight games, starting seven. He recorded 43 tackles, with two tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. The different defensive scheme also presented challenges, which Greenlaw fully acknowledged.

“I don’t blame anything on the Broncos,” Greenlaw stated, accepting responsibility for his performance. His prior injuries also played a role. He felt pressure to prove his value after his substantial contract, leading him to rush back into action.

Reflecting on his time in Denver, Greenlaw acknowledged areas for improvement. “I know what I could have done better, as far as being in that film. That’s where I feel like I let myself and everybody down,” he confessed.

Greenlaw’s return to the 49ers offered a sense of familiarity. He signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million and feels at home in Southern California. “It just feels like home,” he said. The opportunity to continue playing football and silence critics motivates him.