Since 2019, linebacker has been a strength of the San Francisco 49ers roster. It’s now a significant question mark following Dre Greenlaw’s exit in free agency.
The 49ers didn’t make any significant additions in the free agent market to replace Greenlaw, but general manager John Lynch indicated to the Athletic’s Matt Barrows that the team may not need to add another LB to replace Greenlaw as the Will LB alongside Fred Warner.
“He’ll have an opportunity,” Lynch told Barrows when asked about third-year LB Dee Winters. “I think a lot of guys … there’s still a lot of time between now and when we play. But he’s a guy we like. And he’s still growing as a player. (Defensive coordinator Robert) Saleh’s here. And it’s been fun to have a new lens on things. He’s very excited with Dee and a lot of players.”
Winters was a sixth-round pick out of TCU in the 2023 draft. He started 10 games for San Francisco last season, mostly at the Sam LB spot where he was only on the field with the base defense. He still played 41 percent of the defensive snaps, up from six percent as a rookie.
It’s not a huge surprise if Winters is the frontrunner going into the offseason. San Francisco could still use a draft pick on a linebacker to add more depth and a potential starter to the mix. Winters’ fellow 2023 draft pick Jalen Graham could be a factor in the hunt for the starting Will LB job. Second-year LB Tatum Bethune should also get a shot after primarily playing on special teams as a rookie.
Winters has played in 30 games across his two seasons as a pro. He has 44 tackles and five pass breakups.