The Denver Broncos got one of the best when they signed former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency. But it wasn’t without a fight — the 49ers did everything they could to keep their prized asset.
Greenlaw received visits from 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, and he was even offered more money to stay in San Francisco. In the end, though, he opted for a fresh start in Denver, looking to reach his potential as a leader and defensive cornerstone in his own right.
49ers Tried Everything to Keep Dre Greenlaw in San Francisco
After suffering a heartbreaking injury in Super Bowl 58, Greenlaw missed most of the 2024 season. Still, when his contract expired at the end of that year, the 49ers were determined to keep him.
His partner in the middle of San Francisco’s defense, Fred Warner, made it clear how important his “brother” was to the team, calling Greenlaw one of the best players he’d ever played alongside.
“He’s, by far, one of the greatest athletes and football players I’ve ever played with, and it was truly an honor to play alongside him,” Warner said, giving Greenlaw credit for helping his own development.
“I even told him, and I always say, that I would not be the player that I am today without playing alongside Dre Greenlaw.”
Warner called Greenlaw after the move, hoping to convince him to stay. But more than anything, he wanted what was best for his friend. Lynch and Shanahan even visited Greenlaw at his home in Texas in a final push to keep him. Among a wave of departures from San Francisco this offseason, Greenlaw’s exit might sting the most.
It’s believed the 49ers ramped up their efforts after the Broncos reached out, but Greenlaw was eager to step out of Warner’s shadow and join an exciting project in Denver.
Greenlaw’s Adopted Father Encouraged Denver Move: ‘Go Be Frickin’ MJ’
While Greenlaw was a valued part of the 49ers, he was never going to be the face of their defense with Warner and Nick Bosa on the roster. The chance to lead an ascending team — and reunite with close friend Talanoa Hufanga — was too good to pass up.
Leaning on advice from his adopted father, Brian Early, Greenlaw was pushed to make a bold move and build his own legacy. Early made a clear comparison to the 1990s Chicago Bulls:
“Hey, man, you stay in San Francisco, you’re Scottie Pippen, and Fred Warner is MJ,” he said, before giving the young man he helped raise one final push.
“Go be frickin’ MJ.”
“He [Greenlaw] wanted to be a captain… Hey, man, you stay in San Francisco, you’re Scottie Pippen, and Fred Warner is MJ. Go be frickin’ MJ.” — Dre Greenlaw’s father, Brian
Despite last-ditch efforts from John Lynch, and Kyle Shanahan visiting Dre in Texas, Fred Warner calling… pic.twitter.com/TwdkTmgtj6
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 30, 2025
Early’s message seemed to hit home, and now the Broncos have a true leader on defense as they chase a Super Bowl under Sean Payton.