The San Francisco 49ers are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, they have a star-studded team that could compete for a Super Bowl every year. On the other hand, they’re aging and brittle.
That’s why GM John Lynch might have to think outside the box and make some bold moves this offseason. There’s some buzz about releasing All-Pro OT Trent Williams if he doesn’t restructure his contract, and he may not be the only franchise legend on his way out.
According to USA Today insider Art Stapleton, the Niners could also look to dump veteran LB Fred Warner, provided that they get Dre Greenlaw back in the Bay Area:
"I don't know if San Francisco will trade Warner. Heard they might consider it if somehow they could get Dre Greenlaw back in the fold. I'm not playing games like some are suggesting on here," Stapleton said (h/t 49ers Sports Talk).
Greenlaw is still signed through the 2027 season. He’s not as big a superstar as Warner and is one year older, but with the 29-year-old coming off a major injury and about to make north of $60 million, the Niners might want to err on the side of caution and get some money off their books.
Warner is one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the game, not to mention the heart and soul of their defense. Trading him would be a huge blow to the fan base, and it would require a huge haul in return.
He’s spent his eight-year career with the Niners, logging 948 total tackles, 10.0 sacks, 56 passes defensed, 17 forced fumbles, and ten interceptions in 121 appearances (all starts).
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