Broncos’ Total Savage Signing Dre Greenlaw Will Ignite Denver

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 12:55 PM ET

The Denver Broncos landed a game-changer, signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, outbidding rivals for a top-10 talent. At 28, the former 49ers star brings explosive playmaking.

Greenlaw’s resume dazzles with 455 tackles and two defensive touchdowns over six seasons. Despite a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII, he logged eight tackles in just 30 snaps last year. “He’s a total savage,” an NFL coordinator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, praising his top-five potential when healthy.

The 49ers fought hard to keep Greenlaw, with GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan flying to Texas for a last-ditch plea. “The remorse was real,” an anonymous 49ers source told Fowler, reflecting San Francisco’s pain at losing their star. Greenlaw, however, chose Denver’s fresh start.

Injuries, though, cast a shadow. Greenlaw has missed 36 games since 2020, including most of 2024, due to that Achilles tear. A recent quad strain sparked concern, but the Broncos and Greenlaw clarified it’s rehab-only, with full recovery expected by training camp.

“He’s just getting started,” former teammate Fred Warner told The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel, hyping Greenlaw’s potential to shine in Denver. Paired with Talanoa Hufanga and Evan Engram, Greenlaw joins a trio of high-risk, high-reward signings.

Broncos coach Sean Payton trusts his top-tier conditioning staff to keep Greenlaw healthy, boasting Denver’s low injury rates. Can Greenlaw stay on the field and unleash his “badass” energy? Fans will find out when the Broncos face the 49ers in the 2025 preseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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