The San Francisco 49ers have just made a big move, locking down their star linebacker Fred Warner with a jaw-dropping three-year extension worth $63 million. This deal not only secures Warner's future with the team but also makes him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history. Pretty wild, right?
A source close to the situation revealed on Monday that the agreement keeps Warner in the Bay Area through the 2029 season. This info came to light under the condition of anonymity since the team hadn’t officially announced the deal yet. But hey, it’s out there now!
ESPN was the first to break the news about this extension, noting that it includes a whopping $56 million in guaranteed money. That’s a serious chunk of change, and it shows just how much the 49ers value Warner’s contributions on the field.
This extension marks the third major contract the 49ers have handed out since the draft. Earlier, they gave quarterback Brock Purdy a massive five-year, $265 million deal, and tight end George Kittle also got a nice four-year extension worth $76.4 million. Looks like the Niners are all about keeping their core players happy!
By locking up these key players early, the 49ers are likely to avoid any contract drama this summer, which is a refreshing change. Last year, receiver Brandon Aiyuk and tackle Trent Williams were absent for most of training camp due to contract disputes. And let’s not forget the issues they faced with defensive end Nick Bosa and receiver Deebo Samuel in previous seasons.
Warner had two years left on his previous five-year, $95 million extension, which was the richest deal for an off-ball linebacker at the time. That contract was second only to Baltimore's Roquan Smith before this new deal came along. Now, Warner’s average of $21 million per year surpasses Smith’s $20 million, reclaiming the title of the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in terms of average annual value.
And honestly, he’s earned it. Warner has transformed into one of the top defensive players in the league since being drafted in the third round back in 2018. He’s been named a first-team All-Pro for the past three seasons and four times in the last five years, proving to be a crucial part of San Francisco's defense with his skills in both run and pass defense.
When it comes to active players, only Bobby Wagner (six) and Tyreek Hill (five) have more first-team All-Pro selections than Warner’s four. That’s some elite company!
Last season, Warner racked up 131 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and four forced fumbles, all while playing through a broken bone in his ankle. Talk about tough!
In his first seven seasons, Warner has tallied 10 sacks, 10 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 36 tackles for loss, and 53 passes defensed. His 896 career tackles rank fourth in the NFL since 2018, and he’s only missed one game in that span. That’s durability and skill combined!
Warner is also one of just three active players with at least 10 sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, joining Minnesota safety Harrison Smith and Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David. It’s safe to say he’s a force to be reckoned with on the field.
