The San Francisco 49ers have secured another cornerstone player, completing their third major contract extension this offseason.
Star linebacker Fred Warner is the latest to cement his future with the team in a deal that reinforces his elite status.
Despite having two years left on his current contract, Warner and the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a three-year extension worth $63 million, with $56 million guaranteed.
This new agreement doesn’t just reward his performance but establishes a new market standard.
“The San Francisco 49ers and Fred Warner agreed to an extension that adds three years to his current deal and will see him earn the highest annual salary at inside linebacker,” The Athletic noted.
NEWS: The San Francisco 49ers and Fred Warner agreed to an extension that adds three years to his current deal and will see him earn the highest annual salary at inside linebacker. pic.twitter.com/PZhVGNpKAS
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) May 19, 2025
This lucrative deal, averaging $21 million annually, pushes Warner ahead of the previous top earners at the position: Baltimore Ravens’ Roquan Smith at $20 million, Chicago Bears’ Tremaine Edmunds at $18 million, and Philadelphia Eagles’ Zack Baun at $17 million.
For Warner, this marks the second contract extension that has brought well deserved recognition to his talents.
The decision to extend him seemed obvious for the team’s front office. Weekend reports suggested the deal was imminent, and it became official just a day later.
Among all extension decisions facing the team, this appeared to be the most straightforward. At only 28 years old, Warner continues to perform at an elite level.
Following another outstanding season that earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, his status as the league’s premier linebacker remains undisputed.
What makes Warner truly exceptional is his remarkable toughness. He earned All-Pro recognition last season while playing through a fractured ankle.
His youth, reliability, and role as the defensive anchor are complemented by outstanding leadership qualities that make him an ideal representative of the organization.
NEXT: 49ers Make 2 Roster Moves on Monday