Greenlaw Returns to 49ers as Huff Announces Retirement.

The San Francisco 49ers experienced two major roster developments on Thursday, welcoming linebacker Dre Greenlaw back to the team while also learning that defensive end Bryce Huff has decided to retire from the National Football League. According to ESPN reporter Nick Wagoner, the 49ers agreed to a one-year contract with Dre Greenlaw worth up to $7.5 million. The deal brings Greenlaw back to San Francisco after spending the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos. Around the same time the agreement was finalized, defensive end Bryce Huff revealed through Instagram that he would step away from football at age 27. Greenlaw initially left the San Francisco 49ers last offseason to sign a three-year, $31.5 million contract with Denver. His season with the Broncos, however, was disrupted by injuries. He missed nine games due mainly to quadriceps and hamstring problems and also served a suspension following an argument with referee Brad Allen during a Week 7 victory. Denver released him earlier this week, allowing him to reunite with San Francisco. Originally selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Greenlaw quickly became known for his aggressive playing style and strong presence on defense. His career momentum slowed when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Super Bowl LVIII while jogging onto the field. Since that injury, Greenlaw has appeared in only ten regular-season games across the last two seasons. If healthy, he is expected to return to the weakside linebacker position alongside teammate Fred Warner. In 2025, that role was filled by Dee Winters, who started all 17 games. While Greenlaw’s return strengthens the 49ers’ linebacker group, Huff’s retirement leaves a gap along the defensive line. Huff entered the league in 2020 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets after playing college football at University of Memphis. His breakout season came in 2023 when he recorded 10 sacks and 21 quarterback hits under head coach Robert Saleh.

Following that performance, Huff signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he struggled to fit into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. The 49ers later acquired him in a trade, reuniting him with Saleh. During the 2025 season in San Francisco, Huff recorded 30 tackles, four sacks, and 15 quarterback hits in 15 games. In a video posted online, Huff explained that he wants to pursue opportunities beyond football. He announced plans to focus on a new company called Naberstone, which aims to develop safety infrastructure to reduce fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Huff expressed gratitude for the lessons football provided, saying the sport taught him perseverance, discipline, and leadership. Huff’s retirement also has financial implications for the 49ers. By stepping away before receiving a $1 million roster bonus and before the team needed to make a decision on a $14.635 million option bonus for the 2026 season, the move will save San Francisco approximately $5.39 million against the salary cap.