When the Denver Broncos face off against the San Francisco 49ers this week, Niners fans will welcome back four familiar faces to Levi’s Stadium. Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey (2018-2022), defensive tackle D.J. Jones (2017-2021), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (2019-2024), and safety Talanoa Hufanga (2021-2024) all started their NFL careers in San Francisco before later landing in Denver through NFL free agency. Their return will undoubtedly stir emotions among the Faithful, who watched these players grow from rookies into key contributors before their departures. For the Broncos, these former 49ers bring not only experience but also intimate knowledge of their former team’s schemes, which could prove invaluable in this matchup.
Mike McGlinchey, the Broncos’ starting right tackle, was a first-round pick by the 49ers in 2018 and quickly became a mainstay on their offensive line. Known for his athleticism in the run game, McGlinchey was a crucial piece in Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone rushing attack, paving the way for backs like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. However, his pass protection was occasionally inconsistent, leading to some frustration among fans. After five seasons in San Francisco, McGlinchey signed a lucrative five-year, $87.5 million deal with Denver in 2023, reuniting with former 49ers defensive coordinator and current Broncos head coach Sean Payton. His return to Levi’s Stadium will be a test of his growth as a complete offensive lineman, going up against Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ formidable defensive front.
D.J. Jones, now anchoring the middle of Denver’s defensive line, was a sixth-round steal for the 49ers in 2017. Initially a rotational player, Jones developed into a dominant run-stuffer, using his explosive power to disrupt opposing offensive lines. His breakout season came in 2021, where he played a pivotal role in San Francisco’s deep playoff run before signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Broncos in 2022. Jones’ familiarity with the 49ers’ offensive system—particularly their complex running schemes—could give Denver’s defense an edge in diagnosing plays before they develop. His ability to clog the middle and force the 49ers into unfavorable down-and-distance situations will be critical in slowing down Christian McCaffrey and the Niners’ ground game.
Perhaps the most emotional return will be that of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who spent his entire career in San Francisco before joining the Broncos this offseason. Greenlaw was a fifth-round pick in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite for his hard-hitting style and relentless motor. His most iconic moment came in Week 17 of his rookie year, when he stopped Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister inches short of the goal line on the final play to secure the NFC West title for the 49ers. Greenlaw’s intensity and sideline-to-sideline speed made him one of the league’s most underrated off-ball linebackers, but injuries—including a torn Achilles in 2024—led to his departure in free agency. Now wearing Broncos orange, Greenlaw will be eager to prove he still has plenty left in the tank, and what better stage than against his former team?
Then there’s Talanoa Hufanga, the hard-hitting safety who went from special teams standout to All-Pro in just a few seasons. A fifth-round pick in 2021, Hufanga initially made his mark as a core special teamer before seizing a starting role in 2022. That year, he recorded four interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning first-team All-Pro honors. His instinctive play and knack for big hits made him a fan darling, but a torn ACL in 2023 derailed his momentum. The 49ers opted not to re-sign him, and he inked a one-year “prove-it” deal with Denver. Now fully healthy, Hufanga will be looking to remind the 49ers—and the rest of the league—of his playmaking ability. His knowledge of San Francisco’s defensive playbook could also help Denver’s offense identify potential weaknesses in coverage.
For the 49ers, seeing these former players in opposing uniforms will be bittersweet. Each of them contributed to the team’s success in different ways, whether it was McGlinchey’s run blocking, Jones’ interior dominance, Greenlaw’s clutch tackles, or Hufanga’s ball-hawking skills. Their departures were largely dictated by the harsh realities of the salary cap, but their legacies in San Francisco remain intact. That said, the 49ers’ current roster is stacked with talent, and they’ll be focused on exploiting any potential advantages against their former teammates.
From a strategic standpoint, the Broncos may look to these ex-49ers for insider knowledge. McGlinchey’s understanding of Trent Williams’ tendencies, Jones’ familiarity with the 49ers’ double-team schemes, Greenlaw’s insight into Fred Warner’s communication, and Hufanga’s awareness of how the secondary adjusts to motion could all play a role in Denver’s game plan. However, the 49ers are well aware of this and may tweak their usual looks to keep their former players guessing.
For the fans, this game will be a reunion of sorts. There will likely be cheers during pregame introductions, especially for Greenlaw and Hufanga, whose passionate play endeared them to the Faithful. But once the whistle blows, allegiances will be set aside. The 49ers are in the thick of the playoff race, and every game matters. The Broncos, meanwhile, are looking to establish themselves as contenders under Sean Payton, and beating a powerhouse like San Francisco would send a strong message.
As for the players themselves, emotions will undoubtedly be high. Returning to Levi’s Stadium as visitors is never easy, especially when so many memories were made there. McGlinchey will line up across from Nick Bosa, his former teammate, in a battle that could swing the game. Jones will go toe-to-toe with Jake Brendel and Aaron Banks, the men who now occupy the positions he once played beside. Greenlaw will have to navigate blocks from Kyle Juszczyk, the fullback he practiced against for years. And Hufanga will be reading Brock Purdy’s eyes, knowing exactly where the young quarterback likes to go under pressure.
In the end, this matchup is about more than just four players. It’s a testament to the NFL’s ever-changing landscape, where loyalty is often secondary to business. Players come and go, but the bonds formed in the locker room and the memories created on the field endure. For McGlinchey, Jones, Greenlaw, and Hufanga, this game is a chance to show how far they’ve come since their days in red and gold. For the 49ers, it’s an opportunity to prove that the machine keeps moving forward, no matter who departs.
When the final whistle blows, there will likely be handshakes, hugs, and maybe even some exchanged jerseys. But for those three hours, it’s all about competition. The Broncos want to win. The 49ers want to win. And for four former Niners, this game carries just a little more weight than the others.
