The San Francisco 49ers’ elite defender, Fred Warner, has been a reliable off-ball linebacker ever since they drafted him 70th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since then, Warner has developed into one of the top players at the position, finishing with the fourth most tackles, along with four Pro Bowls and four First-Team All-Pro selections. He has 897 tackles, 36 TFLs, ten sacks, ten interceptions, two pick-sixes, 53 pass deflections, and 15 forced fumbles in 115 regular-season starts.
The San Francisco 49ers and their All-Pro wanted a new contract
Fred Warner was seeking an extension this offseason despite having two years left on his five-year, $95.225 million deal, but had zero guaranteed money remaining and sought long-term security. The San Francisco 49ers wanted to extend Warner to lower his $29.174 million cap hit in 2025 and $26.710 million cap hit in 2026. Finally, the front office hoped to get a deal done before the beginning of voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), which start next Tuesday.
He agreed to a historic contract
According to Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers and Fred Warner have agreed to a massive contract extension, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history. As Schefter points out, the deal is for three years and is worth $63 million, with $56 million guaranteed. As a result, Warner will be under contract through 2029.
ESPN Sources: Four-time All-Pro LB Fred Warner and the 49ers reached agreement on a three-year, $63 million contract extension that includes over $56 million in guaranteed money that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker. It marks the second time in his seven-year NFL… pic.twitter.com/L4GHK7h4Vy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 19, 2025
Here’s a look at the other players they extended this offseason
- Brock Purdy: Five years, $265 million
- George Kittle: Four years, $76.4 million
Also Read: San Francisco 49ers: Announce Record-Breaking Contract for Elite Playmaker
