Dre Greenlaw's decision to stay with the San Francisco 49ers or join the Denver Broncos was heavily influenced by his past and the bonds he formed. Growing up in a foster home, he learned to cherish loyalty, which he maintained with his teammates, including Fred Warner and Talanoa Hufanga. The Broncos pursued Greenlaw during free agency, but the 49ers made a compelling offer, ultimately winning him back. Despite a severe injury that limited his playtime, his performance in a two-game return showed he still has much to give, making his three-year, $31.5 million deal a calculated risk for Denver.

Greenlaw's journey from a troubled youth to a key NFL player saw him overcome the odds, proving doubters wrong throughout his career. His former high school coach and adoptive father, Brian Early, urged him to embrace an opportunity in Denver, suggesting it was a chance to be a leader rather than a supporting player, likening him to Michael Jordan. This perspective drove Greenlaw to accept his new role in a stacked Broncos defense, where both Greenlaw and his former teammates believe he can achieve greatness.

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a pivotal moment in their linebacker corps following Dre Greenlaw's departure in free agency. With no significant moves in the free agent market, GM John Lynch hinted that the team might not need to seek an external replacement. Third-year linebacker Dee Winters, a 2023 sixth-round pick, is positioned for a potential starting role alongside Fred Warner. Winters, who saw a notable increase in playing time last season, is backed by fellow rookie Jalen Graham and second-year player Tatum Bethune as they compete for the Will LB spot.

Winters' stats, including 44 tackles and five pass breakups over his first two seasons, suggest he could be ready to step up. The potential for additional linebacker depth through the draft also looms, as the 49ers aim to solidify their defense. With a new lens from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the team is optimistic about Winters’ development and the overall linebacker situation heading into offseason training.

The Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker duo of Zack Baun and Oren Burks emerged as pivotal players during their Super Bowl run, both having joined the team on modest contracts. Baun's standout season saw him leading the league in tackles and forcing fumbles, earning a lucrative three-year deal worth $51 million. Meanwhile, Oren Burks displayed exceptional performance in the postseason, particularly during the Super Bowl, where he excelled in coverage and overall play. Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, despite dealing with a fractured ankle, maintained high PFF grades before his injury, showcasing elite coverage skills. Bobby Wagner continued to defy age, demonstrating his value with stellar grades in run defense and tackling, while other emerging linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah also made significant strides.

Jed York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers, affirmed the team's commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy as they initiate discussions for a long-term contract. Following a rough 2024 season, which ended with a 6-11 record, York expressed optimism for Purdy's future. Despite a significant drop in performance, attributed to injuries among key players, Purdy's previous success has positioned him as a pivotal figure for the Niners.

Purdy, now in the final year of his rookie contract, is expected to negotiate a lucrative extension after previously being one of the NFL's biggest bargains. Having led the team to strong playoff runs in earlier seasons and finishing fourth in MVP voting last year, there is still strong organizational faith in his capabilities to lead the 49ers back to Super Bowl contention.

Robert Saleh's return to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator has sparked excitement among former players, notably Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who expressed his envy on a local radio show. Armstead, who spent nine seasons with the 49ers and played under Saleh for four years, praised his former coach's exceptional attributes, including schematics and his ability to adapt defensively. He noted that Saleh’s experience coaching in high-stakes situations significantly contributes to his effectiveness. The 49ers recently announced Saleh's re-hiring, marking a reunion with familiar faces including linebacker Fred Warner, who shared a celebratory post on social media.

Saleh previously led the 49ers' defense from 2017 to 2020 before taking on the head coaching role with the New York Jets, where he faced challenges despite achieving notable defensive records. Armstead conveyed his heartfelt support for Saleh's new journey, emphasizing his deep respect and admiration for the coach. As Armstead roots for the 49ers from afar, he reflects on the profound impact Saleh had on his career.