Greenlaw Returns to Niners on One-Year Deal

On April 2nd, Dre Greenlaw is back where he started, rejoining the San Francisco 49ers after the Denver Broncos cut him loose.

The veteran linebacker signed a three-year deal worth $31.5 million with Denver last offseason, but he only started 8.

Games due to injuries and a suspension, putting up modest stats like 15 solo tackles and one interception.

He struggled to fit into the Broncos defensive scheme and felt unhappy splitting reps with others who were performing well.

Not being fully healthy made it tough, especially for that $11 million price tag when he was only on the field half the time.

Meanwhile, Denver resigned their own linebackers, Alex Singleton and Justin Stronad, to deals totaling $33.5 million.

Prioritizing depth there, the release, done post June 1st, freed up about $8 million in cap space for the Broncos.

Sean Payton called it a tough decision earlier this week at the owner's meetings, praising Greenlaw's passion and competitiveness, but saying the team, had to reshuffle the puzzle with their free agents and draft plans.

Greenlaw signed a one-year deal with the 49ers worth up to $7.5 million, and says he's excited to be a 9er again, thankful.

For his Denver stand, but ready to contribute where he knows the system best.