'The damage is done': New intel emerges about 49ers' failed pursuit of Dre Greenlaw

As he nears return from a recurring quad injury, the Denver Broncos are still waiting for Dre Greenlaw to take the field. The franchise is hoping the three-year, $31.5 million deal they gave to Greenlaw in the offseason will help transform what is already a potent Denver defense into arguably the best in the NFL.

With Greenlaw designated to return from the injured reserve list, a new detail was shared by his adopted father about how the San Francisco 49ers pursued the linebacker in the offseason hoping to keep him ... and seemingly made a big mistake in the process.

In an interview with The Denver Post's Brian Early, Greenlaw's adopted father (who also serves as an assistant coach for the Missouri Tigers football team) revealed the 49ers offered Greenlaw a one-year deal at the start of free agency, then tried to counter with a three-year contract when it was clear the Broncos were willing to offer that kind of contract.

"They weren't willing to put a three-year deal on the table for him, at this point in his career," Early said. “But Denver did. And then (the 49ers) come back and try to put that type of offer on the table for him … at that point, the damage is done."

The 49ers reportedly outbid the Broncos for Greenlaw's services, but it appears that the last-minute effort wasn't enough to cover over some of the "damage," as Early stated.

49ers will now watch Dre Greenlaw's debut with Broncos

Greenlaw spent six seasons in San Francisco, starting 56 games at linebacker and teaming with Fred Warner for one of the best linebacking duos in the NFL. However, Early believes the move to Denver has benefited Greenlaw and will ultimately benefit the Broncos defense as well.

"Just listening to the sound of his voice when we talk from time to time, I think this fresh start has been good for him," Early said. "Just, new environment, new teammates, new coaches, new system, just new everything. I think that’s kinda rejuvenated him a little bit.

"I know you guys haven’t been able to see that and experience it, because he hasn’t been on the field yet. But you will."

That could be in a part-time role to begin as Greenlaw still works his way back into full playing shape. That could also begin on Sunday when the New York Giants visit Denver in what could be a spicy matchup if this week's shots fired between the two franchises are to be believed.