The 49ers may have the chance to keep Dre Greenlaw at a lower cost this offseason.
Greenlaw is set to be a free agent after playing only 34 snaps in 2024. He spent most of the season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon he injured during the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs last year.
When Greenlaw returned in Week 15 against the Rams, he looked as quick as ever. However, he reinjured himself and couldn’t play in the second half. He tried to play the following week against the Dolphins but couldn’t get through the first drive.
This means Greenlaw will likely have to wait another year to secure a big contract. In the meantime, he could sign a one-year deal with the 49ers to prove his ability to stay healthy. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenlaw’s value for 2025 is around $6 million, with $5 million guaranteed.
“Greenlaw worked his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl last February but was shut down after only 34 snaps in 2024,” PFF writes. “He will still likely see a lot of interest in free agency. He excels in coverage, having earned PFF coverage grades of 82.6 and 79.5 over the past two seasons.”
Signing Greenlaw to a one-year deal carries some risk because of his injury history. If he gets hurt again and misses more time, the 49ers could face major problems. Instead of bringing back Greenlaw, the 49ers could offer a similar one-year deal to veterans like Bobby Wagner or Lavonte David, who are older but have been more durable.
