Things are quickly unraveling for the San Francisco 49ers, and the lingering question is how much lasting damage this season will cause.
At 6-8, the 49ers sit in last place in the NFC West, holding onto only the slimmest hopes of a playoff berth. Most signs point to the team missing the postseason for the first time since 2020. With significant roster turnover expected, the 49ers’ future as contenders is uncertain.
The once-vaunted defense that carried the team in recent years has regressed to mediocrity, with injuries playing a key role. Nick Bosa has missed multiple games, Fred Warner has been playing through a fractured ankle for three months, and another star defender only just returned to the field last week.
Dre Greenlaw, one of the key contributors to the 49ers’ Super Bowl run last season, made his return during San Francisco’s 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. However, Greenlaw’s comeback may be short-lived as reports suggest he could leave the 49ers in free agency this spring.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Greenlaw would sign with the Denver Broncos, an up-and-coming AFC West team, in the 2024 free agency window.
“The Broncos have to be considered the breakout unit of the 2024 season,” Ballentine wrote. “That success is largely due to an improved group of pass-rushers and a strong secondary. However, the middle of the defense still needs an upgrade.”
“Dre Greenlaw has missed most of this season but returned to the 49ers’ lineup [on Thursday]. With more time to recover from the torn Achilles he suffered last postseason, he should be even better next year.”
Greenlaw, 27, has tallied 427 total tackles and 18 tackles for loss over his six-year career. His signature performance came in last season’s playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded two interceptions, including the game-sealing pick on the final drive.
Widely regarded as one of the league’s most talented linebackers when healthy, Greenlaw’s departure would be a major blow for San Francisco. However, with his two-year, $16.4 million deal from 2023 expiring, he is expected to command a significant pay raise—one the 49ers may not be able to afford.
