San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner recently expressed immense gratitude and excitement after signing a three-year, $63 million contract extension with the team, a deal that includes $56.7 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. The agreement, finalized ahead of the 2025 season, extends Warner’s tenure with the 49ers through 2029, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the team’s defense.
Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan at his youth football minicamp at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, Warner described the extension as a “dream come true.” He emphasized the significance of securing the deal early in the offseason, allowing the team to focus on football without the distractions of prolonged contract negotiations. “I think it’s obviously worked out really well being able to knock those things out earlier,” Warner said. “It allows us to focus just purely on ball and getting better as a team.”
Warner, a 2018 third-round draft pick from BYU, has been a pivotal figure for the 49ers since his rookie season. His remarkable consistency, durability, and playmaking ability have earned him four Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors over seven NFL seasons. Despite playing through an ankle fracture for much of the 2024 season, Warner recorded 131 tackles, five tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions, showcasing his resilience and leadership. His career stats are equally impressive, with 897 tackles, 10 interceptions, 53 pass breakups, and 15 forced fumbles, including two returned for touchdowns.
The 28-year-old linebacker, who has missed only one game in his career, views his long-term commitment to the 49ers as a “perfect fit.” Warner’s connection to the Bay Area runs deep, and he expressed enthusiasm for remaining with the organization that drafted him. “San Francisco appears to have learned from its past and desires a drama-free offseason,” noted NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan, referencing the team’s proactive approach to securing extensions for key players like Warner, Brock Purdy, and George Kittle early in 2025. This strategy contrasts with the 2024 offseason, when negotiations with players like Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams extended into late summer.
Warner’s extension not only rewards his on-field excellence but also reinforces the 49ers’ core, which includes Purdy, Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Deommodore Lenoir. The linebacker’s leadership as a five-year team captain and his ability to deliver in critical moments—such as his 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against the New England Patriots in 2024—make him indispensable to San Francisco’s aspirations for a Super Bowl run in 2025.
@49ers “The story is only beginning.” 🥹👏 #fredwarner #49ers #nfl ♬ original sound – San Francisco 49ers
As the 49ers aim to rebound from a challenging 6-11 season in 2024, Warner’s optimism and focus are palpable. He highlighted the importance of the team’s early offseason work, stating, “We’re locked in, and I’m excited to keep building with this group.” With his future secured, Warner is poised to lead the 49ers’ defense into the 2025 season, bringing his signature intensity and playmaking prowess to Levi’s Stadium.
The 49ers’ fanbase, known for its passionate support, can take comfort in knowing that one of the NFL’s premier defenders will remain a cornerstone of the team for years to come. For Warner, the extension is more than a contract—it’s a testament to his journey from a third-round pick to an NFL superstar, fulfilling his dream of staying with the team that believed in him from the start.