San Francisco's Intriguing LB2 Competition
As the 2025 season gets closer, the 49ers have a position competition that needs to be won before the season begins. After linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s departure to the Denver Broncos this offseason, San Francisco’s LB2 is more open than ever before in this era of 49ers football. There are heavy shoes to fill. Luckily, the 49ers have two young, aspiring linebackers who are primed to create a reimagined duo next to four-time All-Pro Fred Warner.
Third-year linebacker Dee Winters and rookie linebacker Nick Martin have to be prepared to take the next step. Comparing the two linebackers out of college, they bring a similar skill set, emphasizing the team’s desire to develop that type of linebacker. Their height, weight, and speed measurables are eerily similar. This was on full display in OTAs the last couple of weeks as they both covered ground quickly in drills, showing their dynamic range.
Winters played some meaningful snaps in his two years with San Francisco, specifically in his sophomore season. In 2024, he combined for 44 total tackles in 398 defensive snaps while starting 10 games. Splitting duties with veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell didn’t benefit his development in year two. However, through his positive energy and communication on defense, Winters’ improved leadership seems to have lifted the confidence of 49ers linebackers coach Johnny Holland.
On the other hand, in Martin’s first season of OTAs, his rapid impact in practice drew the attention of many coaches and teammates, including Warner. “I've seen the athletic ability flash already on the field in the way that he closes space really quickly,” Warner said. “He already has the great mindset of wanting to learn.” Earning praise from Warner this early into his career is impressive. However, Martin’s production at Oklahoma State could’ve hinted at the early impact he has made on the roster.
When the 49ers selected Martin in the third round of this past draft, they intended for the starting linebacker position next to Warner to become a battle and bring the best out of both players. For San Francisco’s defense to succeed, they need consistent contributors at the linebacker position. Last season, Greenlaw missed the majority of the season with a non-contact Achilles tear suffered in Super Bowl LVIII, and his absence was glaring. This offseason process will become the ultimate showcase for Winters and Martin to embrace their capabilities in a potential starting role on defense.
