Greenlaw says release handling prompted Payton confrontation
The 49ers linebacker says his agent told him Denver was releasing him, and accuses Broncos coach Sean Payton of ignoring him during the 2025 season.
Dre Greenlaw confronted Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton during the post-match handshakes after San Francisco’s 24–14 win over Denver. Greenlaw later said the exchange stemmed from how the Broncos handled his release in March.
Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle, as reported by Fox Sports, Greenlaw said his agent informed him of the release rather than Payton or Denver’s coaching staff. He described the handling as disrespectful and said Payton should have contacted him directly.
Greenlaw also claimed Payton ignored him as the 2025 season progressed, saying the coach did not speak to him from Week 12 through the end of the season. Greenlaw attributed the lack of contact to his injury.
A video of the post-game exchange, reportedly filmed by 9News Denver, circulated on social media. The supplied report includes no response from Payton or the Broncos to Greenlaw’s claims.
Greenlaw joined Denver before the 2025 season and returned to San Francisco on a one-year contract after his release, according to Fox Sports.
