PFF names Colts as ‘top landing spot’ for 49ers free agent LB Dre Greenlaw

Could the Colts significantly upgrade their linebacking corps this offseason with one of the league’s better players?

According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts have been named as a ‘top landing spot’ for San Francisco 49ers soon-to-be free agent standout linebacker Dre Greenlaw:

Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers

Overall Free-Agent Rank: 18

Potential Landing Spots: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts

Greenlaw spent much of this past season getting right after his Achilles injury during the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl in 2023, which may leave some front offices hesitant to offer despite a need.

The Lions, however, are projected to hold the 10th-most cap space this offseason and could make a play for Greenlaw based on his high-ceiling potential heading into his age-28 season. With Alex Anzalone’s contract set to expire after this season, Greenlaw could come in on a “prove it” deal to play a supplemental role in Detroit while he attempts to regain his form post-injury.

The Colts sported a top-10 graded defense in 2024, due in large part to the play of Zaire Franklin in the middle. However, coverage at the linebacker position left something to be desired in this defense with both Franklin and his running mate, E.J. Speed (UFA this offseason), earning coverage grades under 48.0. Inserting Greenlaw into the lineup would be a sizable upgrade, as he produced 82.6 and 79.5 coverage grades in his last two full seasons.

Recovering from his late 2023 Achilles injury, Greenlaw is coming off a limited 2024 season for the 49ers defense, in which he recorded 9 tackles (3 solo) during 2 starts—receiving a +82.0 overall defense grade.

During 2023, he received a +73.1 overall defense grade—including a +79.5 coverage grade.

The Colts haven’t necessarily been scared from Achilles injuries before, as the team still selected pending free agent defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft—despite him suffering a season-ending Achilles injury before the draft.

The 27-year-old Greenlaw still has relative youth working in his favor, as far as recovery is concerned—but it would be up to the Colts’ medical staff to fully evaluate his records.

Despite starter Zaire Franklin being named an NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro, the Colts linebackers corps of him and E.J. Speed had an inconsistent year at best—as both received relatively middling grades from PFF respectively: Franklin (+60.3) and Speed (+56.7).

While Speed’s calling card used to be in coverage only a few years ago, the upcoming free agent linebacker’s game really regressed in that regard last season (+46.3 coverage grade in 2024). It appears that the Colts really miss former starting linebacker Bobby Okereke, who the franchise let walk in free agency to the New York Giants back in the 2023 offseason.

Would Greenlaw be an opportunity to make amends with that arguably ill-fated decision?

If fully healthy again, Greenlaw would present a major upgrade for the Colts starting linebacking corps going forward and another ‘horse’ for new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to deploy defensively.

Toughness?

Leadership?

He displays both well too as an ‘unofficial’ 49ers captain, in addition to the production.