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49ers Rumors: Ex-Captain Walks Out on Kyle Shanahan for Personal Reasons As John Lynch Eyes Myles Garrett Trade

Posted on February 13, 2025 - 7:17 am by

“I am slowly learning to be thankful for the pain”. Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers’ human wrecking ball with 455 career tackles, just dropped a mic nobody saw coming. A former foster kid who once told a crowd of Santa Clara grads, “I can survive anything… it’s just the beginning,” he clawed his way from Arkansas to NFL stardom. But after a 2024 season cut short by injury (just 3 solo tackles in 2 games), Greenlaw’s itching for a bigger spotlight.

After six seasons of “I’ll be back” energy in San Francisco, the 27-year-old linebacker reportedly wants to ditch his red-and-gold cape for an LB1 role elsewhere. Why? Let’s just say even superheroes crave solo sequels. “We’re doing everything we can to bring him back,” Kyle Shanahan insisted, sounding like a heartbroken prom date.

This isn’t the first time Dre Greenlaw has been more than just a player—he’s been a story. In 2019, the 49ers honored him with the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, given to a rookie who embodies perseverance, grit, and the ability to turn every opportunity into gold.

That same year, he stood before nearly 30 Santa Clara foster youth at Levi’s Stadium—kids just like him—telling them, “I can survive anything. Once you get that mindset, which I know you guys have, it’s just the beginning.” From team captain at Arkansas to a track & field standout in high school, Greenlaw has always been the guy who doesn’t just rise to the challenge—he sprints right through it.

“He inspires the heck out of all of us. The way he runs, the way he hits.” Shanahan ushered the calls of his heart, but Inspiration doesn’t pay LB1 checks. With Dre Greenlaw’s $16.4M contract expiring, the 49ers face a Sophie’s Choice: loyalty or logic? Meanwhile, the 49ers’ 2024 stats read like a tragedy—6-11 record, 436 points allowed (29th in the NFL), and a defense leakier than Jon Snow’s vows.

Now Greenlaw’s absence? It felt harder than a Breaking Bad finale twist. But here’s the kicker: “We’re not into losing really good players who are unbelievable people,” Shanahan vowed. Translation: Hold my playbook. We’re not done fighting.

Garrett to the bay? A blockbuster plot twist

Enter Myles Garrett—Cleveland’s 28-year-old defensive demigod with 14 sacks in 2024 and a $125M contract that screams “I’ll make you famous.” Pairing him with Nick Bosa? That’s like teaming Thor’s hammer with Iron Man’s suit. “I want to be the best. The only thing holding me back is me,” Garrett once said, channeling his inner Rocky montage. For the 49ers, this isn’t just a trade—it’s a heist. But at what cost?

Garrett’s deal includes $100M guaranteed, and the Browns aren’t parting ways without a Godfather offer. Lynch, no stranger to splashing moves (see: Trey Lance trade), might need to sell Levi’s Stadium’s naming rights to afford this. But imagine Garrett and Bosa terrorizing QBs “Every play I give max effort because it can make the game,” Garrett warned.

So, what’s it gonna be, Niners? Double down on Dre—the guy who turned foster care grit into 127 tackles in 2022—or go full Avengers and recruit Garrett? Shanahan’s locker room speech writes itself: “Either we die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.” As for Dre Greenlaw? Wherever he lands, bet he’ll show up at a marathon—relentless, underrated, and ready to prove everyone wrong.

And Garrett? If he trades Lake Erie for the Bay, just cue the Top Gun soundtrack. Because the 49ers’ offseason isn’t just a drama—it’s a blockbuster waiting for its trailer. Popcorn, anyone?