“I am slowly learning to be thankful for the pain”. Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers’ human wrecking ball with 455 career tackles, just dropped a mic nobody saw coming. As a former foster kid who once told a crowd of Santa Clara grads, “I can survive anything… it’s just the beginning,” he clawed his way from Arkansas to NFL stardom. But after a 2024 season cut short by injury (just three solo tackles in two games), Greenlaw’s itching for a bigger spotlight. But before we talk about that…

For the entirety of the 2024 season, the 27-year-old has had an unfortunate downtime owing to multiple injuries. It all dates back to the Super Bowl 58’s 25-22 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, where the linebacker suffered a torn Achilles heel in his left leg. However, as he returned to the gridiron 305 days later after sitting out the first 13 games of the 2024 season, Greenlaw was forced to retire early against the Los Angeles Rams as he complained of discomfort in his knee. “The knee just kind of felt a little weird, so I wanted to protect myself a little bit,” he had said at the time.

In his second game of the season (against the Miami Dolphins), the player played just four snaps before leaving with a calf strain. So, yes, it’s been a hardly impactful season, and with his 49ers contract having expired, Greenlaw’s mind has started to wander…

After six seasons of an “I’ll be back” energy in San Francisco, the 27-year-old linebacker reportedly wants to ditch his red-and-gold cape for an LB1 role elsewhere. Why? Let’s just say even superheroes crave solo sequels.

Several insiders came out claiming the same, with The Athletic‘s Matt Barrows claiming this week, “I think the chances are better than not that Dre Greenlaw is gone…I think the fact that he only played a half, essentially, in 2024 actually works in the 49ers favor…But my sense is that Dre Greenlaw wants the opportunity to run his own shop, the way that [former 49ers LB] Azeez Al-Shaair did with the Texans this past season.” And then there were also who expressed their doubt in Greenlaw’s ability to contribute to the team.

“Re-signing Greenlaw comes with inherent risk, given the multitude of injuries he’s dealt with over the past 12 months,” wrote PFF analyst Dalton Wasserman, before adding, “He’s a vital part of the 49ers’ run defense, though, and his absence was a big reason for the team ranking 28th in PFF run-defense grade this season. Surely, San Francisco will spend some of its resources improving the defensive line, as well, but Greenlaw’s presence would give the team some peace of mind on that side of the ball.”

But if there’s one aspect, everybody agrees on: Greenlaw’s presence on the field—no matter how brief—has evidently uplifted his team. Meaning? The 49ers should do everything they can to retain the linebacker. The simple answer in this case? A one-year deal. NFL.com’s Kevin Patra opined, “In one half of football, Greenlaw proved his importance to San Francisco’s defense. The Niners collapsed in the second half against the L.A. Rams in Week 15 and lost out the rest of the way, including getting run over by Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 17. Why do I have the feeling that wouldn’t have happened the same way if Greenlaw had been on the field? His sideline-to-sideline ability is so vital next to Fred Warner that it elevates the entire operation.”

“A one-year contract makes sense for both sides. Greenlaw can prove he’s healthy before truly hitting the open market in 2026 at 28 years old, and the LB can help the Niners go from worst to first in the NFC West.” But what is the 49ers front office thinking? Do they event plan on retaining the free agent?

Well, as per Kyle Shanahan in January this year, “We’re doing everything in the world we can to bring Greenlaw back and we’re not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people. So, we’re going to do everything we can to never lose really good players who are good people. But that’s also a very hard challenge, very hard.”

Greenlaw, who’s only ever played for the 49ers since being drafted in 2019, has recorded a staggering 455 career tackles, including 295 solo, 160 assists, and 3.5 sacks. So, Shanahan’s emotions are totally justified. But what about the player himself? What’s his take on all of this?

According to the team’s GM John Lynch, “I know I sat with Dre and always have great discussions with Dre. I know about his want to be here and I know our want to have him here. And like Kyle said, there’s realities and there’s tough decisions and so many factors to all those things. But believe me, the desire on both sides is there.” 

This isn’t the first time Dre Greenlaw has been more than just a player—he’s been a story. In 2019, the 49ers honored him with the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, given to a rookie who embodies perseverance, grit, and the ability to turn every opportunity into gold.

That same year, he stood before nearly 30 Santa Clara foster youth at Levi’s Stadium—kids just like him—telling them, “I can survive anything. Once you get that mindset, which I know you guys have, it’s just the beginning.” From team captain at Arkansas to a track & field standout in high school, Greenlaw has always been the guy who doesn’t just rise to the challenge—he sprints right through it.

“He inspires the heck out of all of us. The way he runs, the way he hits.” Shanahan ushered the calls of his heart, but Inspiration doesn’t pay LB1 checks. With Dre Greenlaw’s $16.4M contract expiring, the 49ers face a Sophie’s Choice: loyalty or logic? Meanwhile, the 49ers’ 2024 stats read like a tragedy—6-11 record, 436 points allowed (29th in the NFL), and a defense leakier than Jon Snow’s vows.

Now Greenlaw’s absence? It felt harder than a Breaking Bad finale twist. But here’s the kicker: “We’re not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people,” Shanahan vowed. Translation: Hold my playbook. We’re not done fighting.

While we await a favorable plot twist with Dre Greenlaw, and the 49ers, there’s another development that’s rocked the NFL community as of now…

Garrett to the bay? A blockbuster plot twist

Enter Myles Garrett—Cleveland’s 29-year-old defensive demigod with 14 sacks in 2024 and a $125M contract that screams “I’ll make you famous.” Pairing him with Nick Bosa? That’s like teaming Thor’s hammer with Iron Man’s suit. “I want to be the best. The only thing holding me back is me,” Garrett once said, channeling his inner Rocky montage. For the 49ers, this isn’t just a trade—it’s a heist. But at what cost?

Garrett’s deal includes $100M guaranteed, and the Browns aren’t parting ways without a Godfather offer. Lynch, no stranger to splashing moves (see: Trey Lance trade), might need to sell Levi’s Stadium’s naming rights to afford this. But imagine Garrett and Bosa terrorizing QBs “Every play I give max effort because it can make the game,” Garrett warned.

So, what’s it gonna be, Niners? Double down on Dre—the guy who turned foster care grit into 127 tackles in 2022—or go full Avengers and recruit Garrett? Shanahan’s locker room speech writes itself: “Either we die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.” As for Dre Greenlaw? Wherever he lands, bet he’ll show up at a marathon—relentless, underrated, and ready to prove everyone wrong.

And Garrett? If he trades Lake Erie for the Bay, just cue the Top Gun soundtrack. Because the 49ers’ offseason isn’t just a drama—it’s a blockbuster waiting for its trailer. Popcorn, anyone?