San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with Dre Greenlaw and there is optimism that a deal could be reached before free agency.

The San Francisco 49ers are already going to work to bring back a pair of defensive free agents who proved their value last season in limited action. General manager John Lynch on Tuesday at the NFL combine told reporters the 49ers are in contact with safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw to try and retain both when they hit unrestricted free agency in March.

At the same time, Lynch acknowledged that Greenlaw may look to test free agency before definitively returning to the only team he’s ever played for. “Dre should go out and see what’s out there,” Lynch said ( via Matt Barrows of The Athletic ).

The NFL’s franchise tag deadline should pass at 1 p.m. today without the cost-conscious 49ers’ impeding any player’s path to unrestricted free agency. Two of their most coveted free agents carry health concerns as they approach next week’s market: linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee,

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes San Francisco 49ers defensive starters, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, will likely land with other teams.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some question marks at the linebacker position that need to be answered in free agency.That's why Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker named San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw as a "perfect match" for the Bucs.

The 49ers have to figure out what to do at weakside linebacker. Dre Greenlaw is coming off a season in which he played just 34 snaps after tearing

NFL free agency kicks off on March 13th and the Indianapolis Colts are undoubtedly in a position with their roster to sign additional talent. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is one name on the market linked to being a possible player of interest for Chris Ballard.

Instead of signing Dre Greenlaw and hoping he stays healthy, Pro Football Network predicts the 49ers will sign Kansas City Chiefs linebacker

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes San Francisco 49ers defensive starters, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, will likely land with other teams.

Keeping and signing free agents isn't going to be easy this offseason for the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, two of their key free agents already have one foot out the door according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.