It was only last year that two former San Francisco 49ers defenders elected to move East. In 2025, both Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga signed with the Denver Broncos, and the moves paid off - well, one of them.
Hufanga finished second on the team in tackles and proved he was worth every cent of his three-year, $39 million contract, as he and the Broncos finished one win away from the Super Bowl. Greenlaw, on the other hand, was not so lucky. He dealt with a string of injuries, among other things, and quickly learned that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the Colorado mountains. As a result, he was cut outright in June.
Now, Greenlaw is back with the 49ers, and everything is set for a Greenlaw-Hufanga showdown to see who wound up in the right place.
Both former 49ers defenders have something to prove on Sunday
Both players, though in completely different situations, have something to prove on Sunday.
Greenlaw clearly has a chip on his shoulder. Having been treated like a cast-off by Sean Payton's staff, it's clear that he will be playing with his hair on fire. Coach Kyle Shanahan effectively said as much earlier this week. His 2025 campaign was virtually a wash, which was in sharp contrast to his stellar years in the Bay. Now back where he belongs, it's on Greenlaw to show Payton and his cohorts what he can really do.
Hufanga also has something to prove, just on the other side of the aisle. In 2024, the 49ers were forced to let various defenders go for financial reasons. Hufanga was one of those. While he has already found a home in Denver, Week 4 against his old team will be the first time he gets to exact revenge.
While both players are happy at their current homes, the matchup represents a validation of sorts. Each player made a slew of decisions that have led them to where they are now, some better than others. Nevertheless, those decisions have caused them to face off on opposite sidelines at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, and fans will see who gets the last laugh.
While their beef isn't with each other, they have a shared path that only recently diverged, and both of their respective teams are very much eyeing a Super Bowl contention. Week 4 will be a measuring stick of sorts to see how they stack up against some of the league's best. Fans should expect both Greenlaw and Hufanga to be playing with a heightened level of intensity all game long.
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