The Denver Broncos unfortunately found out a hard lesson about linebacker Dre Greenlaw after inking him to a significant free-agent contract an offseason ago.
Despite his prowess, Greenlaw often deals with injuries and has rarely made it through a full regular season without suffering some sort of injury-related setback.
The San Francisco 49ers knew this already, highlighted by a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl in February of 2024. And Denver, too, found out with the 2019 fifth-round draftee missing all but eight games because of a variety of ailments.
After just one year in the Mile High City, it seems as if the Broncos have had enough.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Denver is releasing Greenlaw in attempt to get healthier, meaning the longtime Niners fan-favorite suddenly finds himself back on the free-agent market:
Source: The #Broncos are releasing veteran LB Dre Greenlaw, a big-time physical presence in their defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
Whether or not San Francisco is interested in a reunion, it's probably safe to assume one of its key players, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, would pressure general manager John Lynch to extend an offer to Greenlaw to return at the soonest possible moment.
Fred Warner would unquestionably want Dre Greenlaw back with 49ers
Apparently, one of the reason why Greenlaw departed San Francisco in the first place was so he wouldn't have to perennially play under Warner's shadow.
That said, the tandem was responsible for many a golden memory in the Bay Area from 2019 through 2023. And the issues the 49ers dealt with minus Greenlaw from 2024 onward have only made his absence that much more apparent.
Prior to Greenlaw signing in Denver, Warner told FanSided he'd love to have his proverbial partner in crime back despite the former hitting the free-agent market.
While it ultimately wasn't meant to be back then, it could very well be the case now.
True, Greenlaw's injury history is a concern. But he's still just age 28, and a Niners-friendly deal in the wake of yet more injuries could make for an amicable reunion between both parties while also beefing up San Francisco's defense.
Should it happen, Warner would be overjoyed.