Why Dre Greenlaw Could Be the Answer to New England’s Defensive Woes

The New England Patriots enter the offseason facing a laundry list of needs across both sides of the football. While much of the attention has understandably been focused on the offensive side—especially the need for a No. 1 wide receiver for new quarterback Drake Maye—New England’s defensive struggles have been equally glaring this season. Improving the defense seems like a logical step, and addressing weaknesses in the secondary, pass rush, and linebacker corps could be the key to a turnaround.

One player who has emerged as a potential target in this offseason’s linebacker market is Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers. According to Jack Aaron of LWOSports, Greenlaw could be a strong fit for the Patriots, and there are several reasons why this could be a smart move.

First and foremost, Greenlaw has experience playing at a high level. After spending the first four seasons of his career in San Francisco, Greenlaw has been a key contributor to one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. His ability to lead, his tackling prowess, and his overall football IQ could provide the Patriots with the kind of veteran presence they desperately need.

In 2024, Greenlaw returned from a torn Achilles injury suffered during the Super Bowl the previous year. His comeback season was short-lived, as he played in just two games, recording nine total tackles. While the injury concerns are legitimate, Greenlaw’s rest and recovery could position him to regain his former form. In 2023, before the injury, Greenlaw had a standout season, compiling 120 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four defended passes. His ability to consistently find the football and make plays in the run game would be a massive upgrade for a Patriots defense that has struggled to stop opponents this season.

Adding Greenlaw would not only bolster the linebacker position but also strengthen the front seven as a whole. His tackling ability is something New England has lacked, particularly in critical situations where missed tackles have hurt the defense. With Greenlaw, the Patriots would likely see an immediate improvement in their run defense and pass coverage.

However, any move for Greenlaw comes with some risk. The Achilles injury, especially for a linebacker, raises questions about his durability and whether he can return to his previous form. Achieving full health is no guarantee, and there’s uncertainty about how much Greenlaw will be able to contribute if he doesn’t regain his previous explosiveness and speed.

That said, if the Patriots are willing to roll the dice, Greenlaw could be available at a bargain deal. Teams are often hesitant to sign free agents with injury histories, so New England might have the chance to acquire Greenlaw at a price lower than his pre-injury production might suggest. And if he proves healthy and returns to form, Greenlaw could be the foundational piece New England’s defense has been missing.

In the end, the idea of bringing in a high-character, experienced linebacker like Dre Greenlaw seems too intriguing for the Patriots to ignore. His ability to contribute as both a leader and a playmaker could provide the boost needed for a defense looking to get back to prominence.