SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- After wrapping up his reunion with the San Francisco 49ers early in free agency, linebacker Dre Greenlaw quickly turned his attention to recruiting. More specifically, Greenlaw thought the offense could use an enforcer similar to him. He soon reached out to wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who, like him, had once been a focal point of the 49ers' culture, departed for one season and was a free agent.

Greenlaw's message was simple: There's unfinished business in San Francisco, and he and Samuel can help the team finish it. "[I said] 'Let's have a reunion, let's do this thing together,'" Greenlaw said. "This place is just about football ... Sometimes you got to go and go see what's out there, but once you go, you realize, hey, it ain't nothing like San Fran."

Both Samuel and Greenlaw are slated to slot back into their prominent roles for the 49ers. Greenlaw will start at weak side linebacker, which was further solidified when the 49ers traded away his replacement (Dee Winters) in April. Samuel will again have a varied role at receiver, running back and kick returner for a depleted skill group.

Neither player necessarily found the grass to be greener elsewhere. In Denver, Greenlaw dealt with injuries, missing eight games and serving a one-game suspension. He called the season "real tough" and acknowledged longing for what he had in San Francisco. The Broncos released him on March 12, and he agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Niners the next day. Samuel's lone season in Washington was more fruitful, leading the Commanders in receptions (72) and receiving yards (727).