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Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers made another significant move on Thursday. The Niners agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal to reunite with linebacker Dre Greenlaw, bringing him back after a one-year stint with the Denver Broncos.
Greenlaw is coming home. The reunion gives the 49ers a proven linebacker who knows the system and the culture. Denver cut him loose after he appeared in just eight games last season due to injuries. San Francisco moved quickly once he hit the market.
The news caught the attention of one of San Francisco’s biggest stars. Fred Warner made his feelings clear shortly after the announcement.
Warner’s Reaction to Greenlaw Signing
Warner took to Instagram to share his reaction. He posted the news of Greenlaw’s return to the 49ers on his story and added a simple message that showed exactly how he felt.
“Oooowwwwweeeeeee!!!!!!” Warner wrote, followed by a string of fire emojis.
The excitement was obvious. Warner and Greenlaw played together for years before Greenlaw left for Denver. Now they’ll get another chance to play alongside each other.
Warner wasn’t the only one fired up. Christian McCaffrey also posted a reaction on his Instagram story, tagging Greenlaw’s account with emojis. Greenlaw’s return clearly means something to the locker room.
Fred Warner is fired up to have Dre Greenlaw back! 🔥
Warner Previously Praised Greenlaw
Warner’s reaction Thursday wasn’t surprising given what he said about Greenlaw just last month.
During an interview, Warner was asked who the biggest badass he’s ever played with was. His answer came without hesitation.
“Dre Greenlaw. Hands down,” Warner said. “You talk about somebody that has the pure dog in him. Pure wolf. He’s got it… I knew when I lined up next to him, we were good and I was set. Cause I knew I got a guy who was in the exact same frame of mind that I was and we could go to battle every single time we stepped out there.”
The respect Warner has for Greenlaw runs deep. Playing next to someone who matches your intensity and approach makes a difference. Warner felt that with Greenlaw. Now he and the 49ers get it back.
GettyDre Greenlaw is back with the 49ers.
What Greenlaw Brings Back to the 49ers
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner spoke about what bringing Greenlaw back could do for the defense.
“Nothing is solidified on this 49ers defense,” Whitner said. “I think Dre Greenlaw can come in one year removed and get healthy, I think he’s the perfect linebacker to compete with Dee Winters. That’s how you bring the dog out. You want to bring the dog out of Dee Winters? Bring in a guy that he’s heard so much about and how Dre Greenlaw used to do it, how he used to take on blocks, the fire he used to play with and physicality, and you put them in the same room and you see which dog comes out alive!”
One year at $7.5 million keeps the commitment short while giving Greenlaw a platform to prove he’s healthy. If he stays on the field and performs, the Warner-Greenlaw pairing could be one of the league’s best again. If injuries pop up, the 49ers aren’t locked in long-term.
Greenlaw posted his own reaction on Instagram after the news broke. A photo from 49ers practice with a simple caption, ‘Home is where the heart is’.
Dre Greenlaw’s IG story just now
Final Word for the 49ers
Fred Warner didn’t hide his excitement Thursday. Dre Greenlaw is coming back. The 49ers locker room is hyped.
Greenlaw brings familiarity with the system, physical play, and the kind of energy that Warner clearly values. The deal protects San Francisco while giving Greenlaw a chance to show he’s still the same player.
Warner and Greenlaw reunite in 2026.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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