SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers experienced a significant shift in their defensive personnel on Thursday, welcoming back linebacker Dre Greenlaw while simultaneously announcing the unexpected retirement of defensive end Bryce Huff. Greenlaw, who spent the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos, agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million, according to sources. The return of the veteran linebacker coincides with Huff’s decision to step away from the NFL at age 27.
The dual announcement marks a notable day for the 49ers as they navigate the offseason and prepare for the 2026 campaign. Greenlaw’s return addresses a need at linebacker, while Huff’s retirement creates both a roster vacancy and some financial flexibility for the team.
Dre Greenlaw: A Familiar Face Returns to San Francisco
Greenlaw initially joined the 49ers as a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a key contributor to the team’s defense. He became known for his aggressive playing style and relentless pursuit of the ball, earning the respect of teammates and fans alike. From 2019 through 2023, Greenlaw formed a formidable linebacker duo with Fred Warner, consistently ranking among the league’s top defensive units.
Last offseason, Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Denver Broncos, a move that surprised many in the Bay Area. However, his time in Denver was hampered by injuries. He missed nine games during the 2025 season, primarily due to quad and hamstring issues, and also served a suspension following an on-field argument with a referee. The Broncos released Greenlaw earlier this week, paving the way for his return to San Francisco.
When healthy, Greenlaw has consistently demonstrated a high level of production. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded a combined 247 tackles, including eight tackles for loss, ten pass defenses, and three forced fumbles. His ability to make impactful plays in both the run and pass game made him a valuable asset for the 49ers, and his absence was felt during the 2025 season.
Bryce Huff’s Unexpected Retirement
Huff joined the 49ers in the 2025 offseason in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Eagles. He initially made a positive impact, contributing to the pass rush early in the season and finishing tied for the team lead with four sacks.
However, Huff’s production waned in the latter part of the season. He failed to record a sack in the final ten games of the regular season and in the playoffs, struggling to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He entered the league in 2020 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets, where he developed into a productive pass rusher.
Huff had his most successful season with the Jets in 2023, recording ten sacks and earning a three-year, $51.1 million contract with the Eagles. However, he didn’t find a consistent role in Philadelphia, leading to the trade to San Francisco. With Huff’s retirement, the 49ers gain approximately $5.4 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. He was slated to earn around $18 million if he remained on the roster.
The reasons behind Huff’s decision to retire at the peak of his career remain unclear. He announced his retirement via his Instagram account, but did not elaborate on his reasoning. This unexpected move leaves a void in the 49ers’ defensive line rotation and will likely prompt the team to explore options in the upcoming draft or free agency.
For the 49ers, these moves represent a calculated adjustment to their roster. Bringing back a familiar and productive player in Greenlaw, while also freeing up cap space with Huff’s retirement, allows the team to address immediate needs and maintain flexibility for future acquisitions. The team will now focus on integrating Greenlaw back into the defensive scheme and finding a replacement for Huff’s pass-rushing abilities.
The 49ers will next hold organized team activities (OTAs) in late May, providing an opportunity for Greenlaw to re-acclimate to the team and begin building chemistry with his new and ancient teammates. The team’s first preseason game is scheduled for August, offering a glimpse of how these roster changes will impact their performance on the field.
Fans can follow Dre Greenlaw’s journey and the 49ers’ preparations for the 2026 season through the team’s official website and social media channels. The team is expected to provide further updates on their roster and offseason plans in the coming weeks.
