The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract extension with linebacker Fred Warner, the NFL Network reported Monday. The deal makes Warner one of the highest-paid inside linebackers in the league, with $56.7 million guaranteed.
Warner, 28, was set to enter the 2025 season with a significant cap hit and was in need of a new deal. However, he will now be paid an average of $21 million per year, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker.
The extension comes after a tumultuous offseason for the 49ers, which saw several key players depart in free agency, including pass rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. The team also traded running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Despite the losses, the 49ers have made significant moves to reset their finances and bring in new talent. This offseason has seen the signing of George Kittle and Brock Purdy to massive contracts, both of which were expected to clear cap space for future moves.
With Warner’s extension now complete, the 49ers will look to him and other key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, to help deliver a bounce-back season. The team’s defense has struggled in recent years, and Warner is widely regarded as one of the league’s best off-ball backers.
The linebacker has accumulated an impressive 897 tackles, 15 forced fumbles, 10 sacks, and 10 interceptions over his seven-year career with the 49ers. With this extension, Warner will be looking to help the team return to championship form in 2024.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-lb-fred-warner-agree-to-terms-on-three-year-63-million-contract-extension