49ers Lose Key Defensive Players to Free Agency.
49ers Face Tough Choices in Free Agency with Defensive Stars on the Move
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for free agency, they face critical decisions on how to shape their roster, particularly on defense. Will they focus on retaining their homegrown talent, or will they target familiar faces from the New York Jets who are well-versed in Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme?
Unfortunately for the 49ers, these choices may be out of their hands. According to Matt Barrows of *The Athletic*, two key defensive players—linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga—may be seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“I think the chances are better than not that Dre Greenlaw is gone,” Barrows said on KNBR. “The same with Talanoa Hufanga.”
Both players, who outperformed their draft expectations, became essential contributors to the 49ers’ defense. Greenlaw and Hufanga were crucial in 2023, even though Greenlaw missed most of the Super Bowl due to a torn Achilles.
Once considered rising stars in San Francisco’s defense, the emergence of Fred Warner, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Malik Mustapha has made it difficult to justify keeping both players if they demand top-dollar contracts. While Greenlaw’s departure would leave a noticeable gap in the 49ers’ linebacker depth, Barrows is preparing fans for the possibility that neither player will return.
Why Greenlaw and Hufanga Could Be Hot Commodities in Free Agency
Both Greenlaw and Hufanga are expected to draw significant interest from other teams. ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranks them among the top free agents available this offseason. 49ers Lose Key Defensive Players to Free Agency.
Greenlaw, listed at No. 15 on Bowen’s big board, is projected to be highly sought after as a versatile inside linebacker.
“Greenlaw played only two games in 2024 after tearing an Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII, but he’s expected to be fully healthy in 2025,” Bowen wrote. “When healthy, he’s a rangy linebacker with excellent pursuit speed, capable of tracking ball carriers and closing throwing windows. He had back-to-back 120-tackle seasons in 2022 and 2023, along with 1.5 sacks last year.”
Hufanga, ranked No. 22, could also attract interest from teams due to his physical tools and playmaking ability, though his fit depends on the defensive scheme.
“Injuries have limited Hufanga to 17 games over the past two seasons,” Bowen wrote. “However, when healthy, the former All-Pro is a natural disruptor. In 49 career games, he has recorded seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. He’s best utilized in defined coverage schemes, where he can play split-field alignments and drop into the box as a roaming safety.” 49ers Lose Key Defensive Players to Free Agency.
With $48 million in cap space for 2025, per *Over The Cap*, the 49ers have room to make moves in free agency. Whether they prioritize retaining their own stars or focus on fresh talent will reveal a lot about their direction for the upcoming season.
