SANTA CLARA, California – In a swift turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers welcomed back a key defensive player while bidding farewell to another on Thursday. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. Almost simultaneously, defensive end Bryce Huff, who will turn 28 on April 17, announced his retirement from the NFL via Instagram.
Greenlaw’s return comes after a single season with the Denver Broncos, where he signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract last March. At the time, the 49ers made a significant effort to retain Greenlaw, with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch traveling to Texas in an attempt to persuade him to stay.
However, Greenlaw’s year in Denver didn’t unfold as planned. He missed nine games, primarily due to quad and hamstring injuries. One absence stemmed from a suspension following an on-field altercation with referee Brad Allen during a Broncos victory in Week 7. The Broncos released Greenlaw this week.
Originally selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Greenlaw quickly became a fan favorite due to his aggressive and relentless playing style. Injuries, however, have been a recurring issue, culminating in a torn Achilles tendon suffered during Super Bowl LVIII while attempting to return to the field.
Since then, Greenlaw has appeared in just 10 regular season games over the past two campaigns. Upon his return to the 49ers, he is expected to resume his role as the weakside linebacker, playing alongside longtime teammate Fred Warner, provided he can regain full health. Dee Winters started at the position in 2025, registering 101 tackles and one interception across 17 games.
While Greenlaw’s return bolsters the 49ers’ linebacker corps, Huff’s departure creates a need for reinforcement in pass rush. Huff announced his retirement in a three-and-a-half-minute video posted on social media, expressing gratitude to those who supported him and detailing his plans to launch a latest business venture.
Huff entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the New York Jets in 2020. He enjoyed a breakout season in his fourth year under then-Jets head coach Robert Saleh, recording 10 sacks and 21 quarterback hits in 2023.
That productivity earned Huff a three-year, $51 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles during free agency, though he didn’t find a consistent role in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme. The 49ers acquired Huff via trade during the prior offseason, reuniting him with Saleh in San Francisco.
With the 49ers, Huff recorded 30 tackles, four sacks, and 15 quarterback hits in 15 games during the 2025 season.
“Through it all, I realized something,” Huff said in the video. “Football has been my life. I’ve been playing since I was 4 years classic, but at 27, I know I’m capable of offering the world something more than just football. This sport taught me perseverance. It taught me discipline. It taught me how to lead and how to find a way to push through when things seem impossible. Now it’s time for the next chapter of my life.”
Huff’s decision to retire comes one day before he was scheduled to receive a $1 million roster bonus and before the 49ers would have had to decide on a $14.6 million option bonus for the 2026 season. The retirement will free up $5.3 million against the salary cap, according to data from OverTheCap.
To commence his post-football life, Huff announced he will dedicate his time to a company called Naberstone, which focuses on “building safety infrastructure” to combat the risk of fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.
The 49ers now face questions about how they will address the pass-rushing void left by Huff’s unexpected retirement. The team will likely explore options in the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency to find a player who can replicate his disruptive presence on the defensive line. The team’s ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be a key factor in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
Greenlaw’s return, however, provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive front seven. His familiarity with the 49ers’ scheme and his aggressive style of play will be invaluable as the team prepares for the 2026 season. The linebacker’s leadership and experience will also be crucial in mentoring younger players on the roster.
The 49ers will begin their offseason workouts in April, providing an opportunity for Greenlaw to integrate back into the team and work on regaining his form. The team’s success in 2026 will depend, in part, on his ability to stay healthy and contribute at a high level.
The team’s next major event is the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan. The 49ers currently hold the 31st overall pick and will be looking to add talent to address their needs on both sides of the ball.
