Linebacker Dre Greenlaw found himself back with the San Francisco 49ers after a tough stint with the Denver Broncos. Greenlaw had initially signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Broncos but was released in less than a year. Despite various factors, the altitude of Denver was something Greenlaw was glad to leave behind. “F—ing altitude,” he shared with The Athletic, noting the dry conditions that affected his well-being.

Greenlaw’s time with the Broncos was marred by injuries. A quadriceps strain during OTAs sidelined him until Week 7. These setbacks, along with a subsequent hamstring injury, affected his relationship with head coach Sean Payton. “We were good initially,” Greenlaw stated, but injuries strained that rapport. Playing in only eight games, with seven starts, he recorded 43 tackles, including two for loss, one sack, and one interception.

The 49ers’ defensive scheme differed from what he was accustomed to in San Francisco, and Greenlaw admitted struggling to adapt. However, he took responsibility for his challenges with the Broncos. “I don’t blame anything on the Broncos,” he acknowledged, citing his recovery from previous injuries as a factor. His eagerness to prove his worth led to rushing into play, which backfired.

Greenlaw is now back with the 49ers on a one-year, $7.5 million deal. The comfort of being in California is a positive change for him. “It just feels like home,” he said, expressing his determination to continue playing football and proving himself to skeptics.