The Ravens, Chargers may pursue $16.4 million impending free agent linebacker, Dre Greenlaw next season. Even though the 2024 campaign isn’t over, it doesn’t mean it’s never too early to start thinking ahead of next offseason. According to multiple reports, many sources predict the San Francisco 49ers will lose as the 27-year-old is still recovering from an Achilles injury and has until December 18 to participate in a game this year. However, many should expect Greenlaw to have a heavy-interest market if he can put on a healthy year to end his stint with the 49ers.
Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former fifth-rounder was on pace to become one of the most reliable edge rushers after posting 120 tackles in back-to-back seasons. When healthy, Greenlaw is the athlete who could make a defense turn ferocious by getting after the quarterback and stopping the run. He was a crucial piece to this 49ers defense since the team is 5-6, but they’re not out of postseason contention due to a highly competitive NFC West. His recovery from the injury isn’t his first since he missed some time in 2021 but was able to revitalize his career to put on two strong seasons.
The 49ers could sign him for cheap but having star offensive pieces like Deebo Samuel will make that harder to happen. According to NFL.com, it may make sense for the linebacker to sign with a roster on a “prove it” type one-year deal to see if he can still make an impact. This is why the Ravens, Chargers could bring out the best in Greenlaw in 2025 since the chemistry could be already there upon arrival.
Ravens, Chargers May Pursue $16.4 Million Impending Free Agent Dre Greenlaw
Helping Baltimore’s Defense
It’s fair to say the Baltimore Ravens offense has been carrying most of the weight this year after acquiring running back Derrick Henry this past offseason. Lamar Jackson is looking like an MVP again thanks to having remarkable playmakers for him to rely on throwing the football. However, it hasn’t been enough to compensate the defense that’s been struggling all season despite being a favorite to win the Super Bowl this year. The defense unit hasn’t been playing up to its standard after losing several key free agents like Geno Stone, Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen.
They attempted to bring back Yannick Ngakoue to bring some life to the pass-rushing unit but he wasn’t able to stay with the team for more than a full season. What this defense lacks is balance and while Odafe Oweh may be improving his play, his experience in the postseason may not help their chances. While this team has issues in their secondary, they could make that up easily with a groundbreaking pass-rushing unit. Greenlaw may not come back the same but he’s an upgrade with experience that could help Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith back on MVP level.
Winning in the Trenches
The philosophy from Jim Harbaugh seems to be clicking in Los Angeles, especially for Justin Herbert who’s looking like his explosive self again. This team has the potential to make an upset to an AFC team like the Chiefs in the divisional round but it’s going to take more than what they have. They’ve been spectacular with their offense and talented defense but with Joey Bosa an impending free agent, it leaves a significant hole to fill. The chances are that they’re probably going to prioritize extending Khalil Mack since he’s been more healthier and productive down the stretch.
Meanwhile, Bosa hasn’t been able to replicate that same feat. Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches and it could mean signing Greenlaw to achieve those aspirations next offseason. No one should expect the Chargers to go far in the playoffs as experience and growing pains are a part of the process. Greenlaw could be the same player again on a cheap one-year deal to help the Chargers for a potential Super Bowl run next season.
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