The San Francisco 49ers had neary all of 2024 to recognize just how bad things could be without star linebacker Dre Greenlaw on the field.
Of course, it all started in Super Bowl 58 after Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles in-game, leading to the Kansas City Chiefs staging an improbable comeback and overtime victory. Then, the problems continued into the regular season where the depth behind All-Pro Fred Warner was tested to the max.
And, no. The fill-in free-agent pickup of De'Vondre Campbell to beef up the depth chart didn't help matters, his personal antics aside.
Greenlaw, who played just two abbreviated games during his contract year, remained the Niners' top re-sign priority. Warner desperately wanted him back, but further reports indicated the former was wishing to step out beyond Warner's All-Pro shadow and lead his own linebacker corps.
Unfortunately for Warner and the 49ers, that's become reality.
49ers face peril after Broncos sign Dre Greenlaw in free agency
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Broncos are inking Greenlaw as part of their opening free-agent wave, denying San Francisco a chance to retain its 2019 fifth-round NFL Draft choice.
Good for Greenlaw, yes. He not only has a chance to further his own brand in a larger role, but the new deal also allows for him to showcase he's fully healthy and recovered after the brutal injury suffered in February of 2024.
However, for the 49ers, it'll be a difficult proposition to replace his presence on the field.
Warner admitted Greenlaw helped him be a better defender, so there's that much to absorb. But, from the Niners' angle, the only rostered players who can immediately fill the void are third-year pros Dee Winters and Jalen Graham.
Winters saw intermittent action as a starter last year, but it might be a stretch to assume he can adequately fill Greenlaw's shoes.
San Francisco's other defensive needs, notably within the secondary and up front along the defensive line, could push addressing the linebacker spot to the periphery, meaning there might not be likable options available for the 49ers this offseason.
Hopefully, the rest of the defense can pick up the slack. But, if 2024 was any indication, the Niners will sorely miss Greenlaw's presence on the field.