Linebacker Eric Kendricks. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers find Dre Greenlaw replacement in former All-Pro LB

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/13/24

The San Francisco 49ers are set to lose a host of big-name defenders to free agency this week and are expected to be without linebacker Dre Greenlaw most of next season due to a torn Achilles.

The Niners found a possible replacement for Greenlaw on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year deal with former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks.

New 49ers LB Eric Kendricks is expected to try to help replace Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles during the Super Bowl. https://t.co/NfBUIPT0c6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024

While none of the signings have been finalized, San Francisco is expected to say goodbye to edge rusher Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to the Washington Commanders and New York Jets, respectively. The team could also lose star defensive end Chase Young and said goodbye to recently released 2015 first-round pick Arik Armstead.

Even without the likes of Ferrell, Greenlaw, Kinlaw and possibly more, the Niners are expected to return one of the top defenses in 2024.

49ers can roll with Fred Warner, Eric Kendricks and Dee Winters/Jalen Graham for as long as they need now. That’s a workable LB group.

Whenever Greenlaw returns he can slot in with Warner and Kendricks. And maybe the second-year guys will have blossomed. That’s a robust LB unit
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 13, 2024

In addition to the group of linebackers mentioned by David Lombardi of The Athletic, the defending NFC champions should return one of the best defensive lines in the league.

Even if the 49ers lose Young, they're expected to have stars such as two-time Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Nick Bosa back on the line.

At 32 years old, Kendricks is joining San Francisco likely past his prime, but he was still productive in his lone season with the Chargers.

Following eight years with the Minnesota Vikings, the 2019 Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro recorded solid numbers across the board in Los Angeles. Kendricks not only finished last season second on the team in tackles (117), but also tied for third in tackles for loss (seven) and racked up seven quarterback hits, six passes defended and 3.5 sacks as well.

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