The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant move in their offseason strategy by locking up star linebacker Fred Warner to a lucrative three-year, $63 million contract extension. This deal, which includes over $56 million in guaranteed money, positions Warner as the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker. The announcement was made on Monday, following reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Warner's previous contract was set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 season. However, with this new deal, the 49ers are ensuring that one of their defensive cornerstones remains with the team for the foreseeable future. Jennifer Lee Chan had reported just a day prior that the team was close to finalizing this multiyear extension, which would solidify Warner's status as the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league.
This contract extension for Warner follows a series of high-profile signings by the 49ers during a busy offseason. Earlier in May, the organization secured star quarterback Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract that includes $181 million in guaranteed money. Additionally, the team also rewarded star tight end George Kittle with a four-year, $76.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Fred Warner has emerged as one of the most reliable and impactful defensive players for the San Francisco 49ers. He has consistently recorded over 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons, earning four Pro Bowl selections and being named to the All-Pro first team on four occasions. In the challenging 2024 season, Warner stood out as one of the few bright spots for the team, amassing 131 total tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
The extension of Warner is a strategic move for the 49ers, especially after a disappointing 2024 season where they finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. By securing Warner's leadership and talent on defense, the franchise aims to rebound and chase their first Super Bowl title since 1994.
