The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a contract extension with their standout linebacker, Fred Warner, as per insights from NBC Sports’s Jennifer Lee Chan. At just 28 years old, Warner is currently in the fourth year of a lucrative five-year, $95 million contract he signed in 2021. The impending extension could set a new benchmark, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL.
San Francisco appears to be adopting a more proactive approach this offseason, aiming for a drama-free experience. Lee Chan noted that the team has learned from last year's tumultuous offseason, where multiple players were absent from team facilities due to contract negotiations. By securing Warner's extension, the 49ers hope to avoid similar distractions as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The 49ers have been active in the offseason, recently extending tight end George Kittle with a four-year, $76.4 million deal, which made him the highest-paid player at his position. Additionally, they locked in quarterback Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract earlier this week, ensuring that their franchise quarterback remains with the team until 2030. With Warner's extension on the horizon, the 49ers are making significant moves to strengthen their roster.
This offseason has seen a notable shift in the timing of contract negotiations for the 49ers. In previous years, key contracts were often finalized late in the summer. For example, Brandon Aiyuk signed his four-year, $120 million deal in late August, while Trent Williams inked his three-year, $82.66 million contract in early September. This year, however, the team is eager to conduct a complete offseason training program with their entire roster, particularly as they look to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season that saw them miss the playoffs.
Since entering the league in 2018, Fred Warner has established himself as one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL. Despite battling an ankle fracture for much of the 2024 season, he earned both All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, tallying an impressive 131 tackles, five tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Warner's leadership in the locker room is also crucial, especially with the recent loss of several key starters, including Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd this offseason.
Warner expressed his satisfaction with the team’s early extensions for Kittle and Purdy, highlighting how these moves have minimized distractions. “I think it’s obviously worked out really well being able to knock those things out earlier,” Warner stated. “Allowing us to focus just purely on ball and getting better as a team, so things are moving in the right direction.” With his extension likely to follow soon, Warner could solidify his future in San Francisco, potentially remaining with the team for the rest of his career.
