One of the biggest moves the Denver Broncos have made so far during the 2025 offseason is signing free agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw comes over from the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the first six years of his NFL career. He is a complete LB who plays well against the run and pass, recording 100 tackles in two of his last three seasons. He also has three career interceptions, 14 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, 15 QB pressures, and two forced fumbles.
However, injury issues have slowed Greenlaw down. He hasn't played a full season since his rookie year, though he only missed three or less games in three of those seasons. That isn't enough to deter NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha from believing that the Broncos' decision to sign Greelaw is one of the top-10 best moves during the offseason up to this point.
"We get it -- Greenlaw sustained a torn Achilles while playing for the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, and he only played 34 snaps last season after returning," Chadiha wrote. "It's also important to note this part: He turns 27 years old in May and is one of the best linebackers in the league when he's healthy. The Broncos gave Greenlaw a three-year, $35 million deal because they can envision what he can do for a defense that turned elite last season. Denver led the league with 63 sacks in 2024 and ranked third in points allowed, and Greenlaw could be the piece that makes the group even better. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has a unit blessed with dynamic edge rushers (Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto), one of the game's most disruptive interior players (defensive end Zach Allen) and arguably the league's best cornerback duo (2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss). You throw Greenlaw in the middle of that and it's hard to see any offense gaining much traction against this bunch."
If he can stay healthy, Greenlaw could be what takes an already good defense to an elite one. He has All-Pro potential, and has the skillset to flourish in Joseph's defensive scheme. Middle linebacker was one of the Broncos' biggest needs this offseason, and they couldn't have found a better one talent-wise. Even if it doesn't work out, it's hard to blame Denver for trying while quarterback Bo Nix is on his rookie deal.
