49ers' Post-Greenlaw Era: Draft Strategy and Replacement Plans After Failed Free Agency Bid

The 49ers' Defensive Dilemma

The San Francisco 49ers face a critical challenge in their 2025 offseason strategy after losing cornerstone linebacker Dre Greenlaw to the Denver Broncos in free agency. Despite an unprecedented last-ditch effort by GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to retain him, Greenlaw signed a 3-year, $31.5 million deal with Denver, leaving a significant gap in the Niners' defensive core.

Why Greenlaw's Departure Stings

Defensive Leadership: Greenlaw's 44-20 regular season record when active versus 16-20 when injured shows his impact
Emotional Anchor: His passionate playstyle complemented Fred Warner perfectly in the linebacker corps
Versatile Skillset: Coverage ability combined with hard-hitting run defense made him scheme-versatile

Internal Replacement Candidates

The 49ers are turning to several in-house options:

Dee Winters (3rd year) - Showed flashes in 386 snaps last season but needs improved durability
Tatum Bethune (2nd year) - Promising development prospect with special teams experience
Re-signed veterans - Curtis Robinson and new addition Luke Gifford provide depth

Draft Strategy Considerations

With 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers could target linebacker help including:

Jihaad Campbell (Alabama): Top-rated LB prospect with sideline-to-sideline range
Jalon Walker (Georgia): Hybrid defender capable of playing multiple roles
Late-round options like UCLA's Carson Schwesinger or Oregon's Jeffrey Bassa

The Financial Reality

San Francisco's limited cap flexibility prevented matching Denver's offer. The team must now:

Develop cheaper alternatives
Potentially use compensatory picks in future drafts
Maintain financial flexibility for Brock Purdy's looming contract extension

Coaching Perspective

"We took another shot and we weren't able to get it done," Shanahan admitted. "We'll look at all positions in the draft, but there's opportunity there." The staff emphasizes finding players who fit their aggressive defensive identity rather than direct Greenlaw replacements.