The Niners have a key pending free agent at linebacker this offseason.
Dre Greenlaw suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury during the Super Bowl, which put his recovery timetable well into the 2024 season. The 49ers tried to address the position by signing Eric Kendricks before he bolted for the Dallas Cowboys at the last moment. De’Vondre Campbell was the team’s backup plan, and we all know how that ended.
Greenlaw returned and played 34 snaps over two games against the Rams and Dolphins. When asked during the season what he wanted for Christmas, Greenlaw replied with “money.” The well-regarded linebacker now has a chance to hit free agency, but the concerns about Greenlaw have little to do with his play and more to do with his Achilles recovery.
Thirty-four snaps is hardly a large sample size, but Greenlaw’s impact was immediately felt against the Rams. The question becomes: Will Greenlaw return on a one-year, prove-it deal, or will he move on while getting paid? Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports has speculated about Greenlaw’s return. There is a sense that a return is more than speculation and more of a possibility than previously thought.
However, the 49ers need to insulate themselves in case Greenlaw departs. Dee Winters has flashed with extended playing time, but injuries are concerning for the young linebacker.
Could the 49ers address the position with a free-agent acquisition? Pro Football Focus believes it should be a priority for the organization.
Bradley Locker chose a free agent for each NFL team to target this offseason. The pick for the 49ers might surprise some fans. Locker chose Pittsburgh Steelers LB Elandon Roberts. Roberts didn’t make PFF’s top 100 free agent list, for what it’s worth.
After failing to make the playoffs, the 49ers will encounter a bit of a crossroads during the 2025 offseason. While dealing with Brock Purdy’s probable extension, San Francisco will need potential reinforcements at tackle and cornerback. Don’t discount adding a linebacker or two through free agency, either.
Roberts produced a career-high 77.2 overall PFF grade this season, buoyed by his 90.4 PFF run-defense grade — the sixth-best mark among defenders with 400 or more snaps. Coverage has been more of a problem for Roberts, but the 30-year-old could help solidify a linebacking group that ranked only 26th in PFF run-defense grade, even with Fred Warner.
Will the 49ers choose the veteran Roberts or choose to return the lifelong 49er, Greenlaw? The choice may come down to Greenlaw’s market and his decision this offseason.