Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton recently opened up about the departure of linebacker Dre Greenlaw to the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL’s annual league meeting. Payton didn’t hold back his admiration for Greenlaw, describing him as a passionate player who left a significant mark during his brief time in Denver.
Greenlaw’s impact was notable, especially considering he didn’t hit the field until late October. Payton expressed a sense of responsibility for not retaining Greenlaw, highlighting the linebacker’s competitive spirit and the qualities he brought to the team.
On a recent episode of Terron Armstead’s podcast, Greenlaw shared his thoughts on his stint with the Broncos and his return to the 49ers. Reflecting on last season, he admitted that not being fully healthy affected his performance and playing time, which was challenging given his contract expectations.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that while they’ll wait for OTAs, Greenlaw is expected to resume his role as the starting WILL linebacker, a position he’s well-acquainted with.
Greenlaw candidly discussed the difficulties of splitting reps with other linebackers, a situation he wasn’t accustomed to. This uncertainty contributed to his dissatisfaction during his time away from San Francisco.
Returning to the 49ers, Greenlaw is eager to reconnect with a familiar environment and his teammate Fred Warner. He emphasized the strong bond and mutual drive between them, which he believes enhances their performance on the field.
Greenlaw highlighted the relationships he’s built within the 49ers organization as a key factor in his decision to return. His connection with Warner, in particular, stands out as a partnership where both players push each other to excel.
His return to the 49ers seems like a perfect fit, bolstering a defense that can benefit from his skills and leadership. Greenlaw’s presence promises to strengthen their run defense and bring invaluable intangibles to the team.