The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of finalizing a contract extension with star linebacker Fred Warner, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the deal is expected to make Warner the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league, cementing his pivotal role within the 49ers’ roster and the broader NFL landscape.
Fred Warner – The “Joker” of the 49ers’ Defense
Fred Warner, dubbed the “Joker” for his intelligent, versatile, and game-changing playstyle, has become the heartbeat of the 49ers’ defense. At 28 years old, Warner has earned four All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances. He is considered one of the most complete linebackers in the game, with exceptional field coverage, play-reading ability, and precise tackling. His career stats to date include 897 tackles, 15 forced fumbles, 10 interceptions, and 10 sacks over seven seasons, underscoring his immense impact.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Warner serves as the “quarterback” of the 49ers’ defense, orchestrating strategies and ensuring seamless coordination among teammates. As such, retaining Warner has been a top priority for the 49ers’ management this season.
New Contract: Investing in the Future
Sources indicate that Warner’s upcoming extension will surpass the $20 million annual average salary of Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens), currently the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker. With two years remaining on his existing $95 million contract signed in 2021, Warner faces significant cap hits of $29 million in 2025 and $26 million in 2026. The extension will not only alleviate financial pressure on the team’s salary cap but also secure long-term stability for the defense.
Recently, the 49ers finalized major contracts with two other key players: quarterback Brock Purdy (5 years, $265 million) and tight end George Kittle (4 years, $76.4 million). The continued investment in Warner reflects the team’s ambition to maintain a championship-contending roster in the coming years. The financial flexibility gained from selling a 6.2% stake in the team for over half a billion dollars has also enabled the 49ers to invest heavily in stars like Warner.
Warner’s Importance Amid Roster Changes
The 2024 season saw significant turnover in the 49ers’ roster, with the departure of veterans such as Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, and Talanoa Hufanga. With the defense potentially relying on younger players, Warner has become an indispensable anchor. Alongside Nick Bosa, he will lead a restructured defensive unit bolstered by six rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft, including standout Mykel Williams.
Analysts view Warner not only as an elite player but also as a symbol of the 49ers’ spirit. “I can’t imagine a world where Warner isn’t the highest-paid linebacker,” said Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “He’s an inseparable part of the San Francisco 49ers.”
Expectations for the 2025 Season
With Warner’s contract extension nearing completion, the 49ers are sending a clear message that they are committed to building a formidable defense alongside their potent offense. Warner has expressed confidence that he and the team will soon finalize the deal, while also committing to fully participating in training sessions to prepare for the upcoming season.
49ers fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement of Warner’s contract, expected before the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in late May. With the “Joker” Fred Warner in the fold, the 49ers are poised to remain a formidable force in the 2025 season.