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Dre Greenlaw was more excited than usual for Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
Greenlaw signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with Denver, but was released after the 2025 season (his first and only season with the Broncos). The 49ers linebacker didn’t hold feelings back as he was spotted jawing at Broncos head coach Sean Payton during Sunday’s 24-14 win over Denver.
After the game, Sean Payton was asked by reporters about the feud with Greenlaw.
“I said this to Kyle [Shanahan] afterwards, I think the world of him. I love everything about him. He plays with that emotion,” Payton said.
Greenlaw’s motivation to play well against the Denver was reportedly rooted in the disrespect he received when the Broncos cut him. The 29-year-old was upset with how Payton handled the situation.
“He couldn’t be man to man and call my phone and say, ‘We’re going to cut you,’” Greenlaw said to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Instead of hearing the news from Payton, Greenlaw’s agent informed him that the Broncos were parting ways with him.
Payton recruited Greenlaw to Denver ahead of the 2025 season after spending the first six seasons of his NFL career with the 49ers. But their relationship dwindled as Greenlaw sustained an injury and played only eight games throughout the season.
Following San Francisco’s fourth consecutive win of the year, Greenlaw yelled at Payton: “Hey! You get the f-ck off my field!”
Greenlaw evidently hasn’t forgotten about his lone season with the Broncos.
