Dre Greenlaw Signs Three-Year Deal with Broncos, 49ers Pursue Retention

The San Francisco 49ers made a strong effort to retain linebacker Dre Greenlaw after he agreed to a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos, but ultimately failed to persuade him to stay. Despite the 49ers' interest, Greenlaw opted for the Broncos, who provided a flexible contract with significant incentives tied to his performance and health post-injury. San Francisco's reluctance to commit to a long-term deal, especially given Greenlaw's recent injury history, led them to consider a one-year offer, which may have been less lucrative than what he received from Denver. Analysts suggest that the 49ers misallocated their resources elsewhere, potentially missing an opportunity to keep a key player who is well-respected in the locker room. Greenlaw's departure is seen as a significant loss for the 49ers defense, which struggled without him during his injury last season. Ultimately, the decision reflects broader themes of financial strategy and player management within the NFL, especially concerning players recovering from injuries.