49ers Face Tough Decision on Dre Greenlaw’s Future Amid Injuries

The San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal decision regarding linebacker Dre Greenlaw‘s future with the team after an injury-plagued 2024 season. Greenlaw, 27, played in just two games this year, missing the first 13 weeks recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in the Super Bowl and the final two games due to a calf injury. Despite limited playing time, his impact on the defense was evident, particularly in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded eight tackles before exiting early.

With Greenlaw’s contract set to expire, the 49ers must decide whether to re-sign the veteran linebacker or let him test free agency. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation during their year-end press conference, expressing a mutual interest in retaining Greenlaw. “I know about his want to be here, and I know our want to have him here,” Lynch 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.”

Shanahan emphasized the complexity of the decision, noting that contract negotiations are tied to broader roster considerations, including the draft and free agency. “We’re doing everything in the world we can to bring Greenlaw back,” Shanahan said. “But that’s also a very hard challenge. Very hard.”

Greenlaw’s potential departure would leave a significant void in the 49ers’ defense, which struggled throughout the 2024 season. His absence was particularly felt during the team’s late-season collapse, which saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The 49ers’ defense ranked 22nd in the league in points allowed, a stark contrast to their top-five finishes in previous years.

While Greenlaw’s future remains uncertain, the 49ers are also grappling with other roster decisions, including the contract status of quarterback Brock Purdy and the search for a new defensive coordinator. The team’s rookie class, however, provided a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and right guard Dominick Puni emerged as key contributors, offering hope for the future.

Pearsall, a first-round pick, overcame a tumultuous rookie year that included injuries and a gunshot wound during a robbery attempt. Despite these challenges, he finished the season with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. Puni, a third-round selection, started every game and earned an 80.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, solidifying his role on the offensive line.

As the 49ers prepare for the offseason, the focus will be on rebuilding a defense that faltered in 2024 and making tough decisions on key players like Greenlaw. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether they can return to contention in 2025.