Dre Greenlaw is clearly optimistic about his recovery from the bizarre Achilles tear he suffered in the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl 58 defeat.
Greenlaw, who sustained the injury while running onto the field during the second quarter of the Niners' 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, is targeting a return in time for Week 1 of the 2024 season, said general manager John Lynch — per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco — at the NFL owners' meetings on Monday.
Lynch, by contrast, is a lot more conservative. Per The Athletic's David Lombardi, Lynch said the 49ers "have to be smart" and that Greenlaw could start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
The 49ers have already signed an insurance policy against the Greenlaw injury, inking 2021 All-Pro De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal after an agreement with Eric Kendricks fell through.
Campbell would likely play WILL linebacker next to Fred Warner in Greenlaw's absence then pivot to playing the SAM role on base downs whenever Greenlaw did make his return.
But Campbell struggled markedly in coverage last season, with injuries that have sapped some of his physical ability seemingly contributing to a decline.
The 49ers drafted Dee Winters and Jalen Graham in the late rounds last year but, with a difference of opinion as to what is a realistic return date for Greenlaw and their safety net not looking that safe, it may be prudent for the Niners to further fortify the position in the draft.
San Francisco is unlikely to spend a first-round pick on a linebacker, but there are several compelling options on day two, including Michigan's Junior Colson, Edgerrin Cooper of Texas A&M and Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Lynch and a host of 49ers front office members were in attendance for Colson's pro day last week.
Greenlaw's injury status alone would not be enough for the 49ers to pick a linebacker with a second or third-round pick, but San Francisco also has to account for Greenlaw entering free agency next year.
A linebacker pick on day two would give the 49ers more potential insurance for 2024 and set them up well for the future by giving them a cheap player at the position who could fill the void if they aren't able to re-sign Greenlaw long term.
For a team that doesn't have many pressing needs to fill after free agency, further strengthening their linebacker options amid uncertainty surrounding Greenlaw could prove to be a very smart move.
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