The 49ers have agreed to a five-year, $95MM extension with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). The new deal will lock him up through 2026 and make him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. 
Warner, a former third-round pick from BYU, was previously set to hit the open market next spring. The Niners refused to let him get away, giving him a whopping new deal to top Bobby Wagner as the league’s highest-paid ILB. At least, that’s the mantle he has right now — Colts star Darius Leonard may top him in the coming weeks.
“I want to get it done personally,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan in May when asked about a new deal for Warner. “I kind of feel like I’d say the same about him as I did about [George] Kittle when we were talking about it [last year]. I just see that kind of as a matter of time.
“I know he’s not going into his free agent year or anything like that, so that’s why it’s not always on my mind. But Fred’s a guy that I plan on being here forever and who has earned that. I’d be surprised if that doesn’t start sooner than later.”
Wagner has a perfect attendance record as a pro, playing 95% of the team’s snaps over the last three years. He earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2020, notching 125 tackles and grading as Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 off-ball linebacker (by far).
All along, Warner has said that he wants to be a “Niner for life.” Now, at minimum, he has a deal to cover much of his NFL prime.
Congrats!
Perfect, he is a cornerstone of the team … he deserved it!!
Totally worth. Best BYU niner since Steve young
After 1 good season, seems premature
Umm… 3 good seasons
Tell us you don’t know anything about football without telling us. Warner has been great since being drafted. Stick to basketball.
1 Pro bowl/all pro designation and overall metrics are mediocre outside of last season. Again premature. He’s no wagner or Leonard. Too overpay those 2 implies he’s better. Show me you have no comeback while saying something. congrats
Just ask his peers who’s the best LB in the league, they all say it is Fred Warner, and have been saying it for two years now..It was alot more split two years ago, and Warner was more a guy that could be the number 1 guy, but now, yes arrived and is here to stay!!
Stats don’t always tell you the entire story, especially what a man is all asked to do for his team. He’s the best LB in coverage, he’s a sure tackler, and when hes asked to blitz he’s as effective as anyone as well…
Leonard is great, no questions about it, but I’d, personally, take the more versatile Warner..
Pro bowl is a popularity contest and he’s literally one of the best coverage LBs ever graded by any statistical group.
All pro designation is based on production. Leonard and wagner are just better and have been for a longer time. Sorry whiners fans can’t comprehend this. Let’s see what Warner can Do without salah
Warner’s first three years are on par with Wagner’s first three years in the league. Its not a stretch to think he will get better in the next 3 or 4 years.
Good signing for the Niners. Front seven’s are always the most cruicial part of a defense and he is a great one to build around. Warner and Bosa will be a great combo as long as they stay healthy.
Agreed, good player but vastly over hyped. Better player in Indianapolis about to get paid. Again, top 15 but not top 5. Being on a historic team that was in a SB helps.
and heres the bitter shecock fan trying to get in Niners fans heads by saying something so stupid we can’t believe it. Moron, google “Best Linebacker in the NFL today” and Warner is 1 or 2 on every list with Wagner. Shut up, and you don’t make pro bowls on 4 win teams but the grades don’t lie.
Bag alert.
MAJOR Bag Alert
So, after the 49ers sign his brother,
San Francisco will be known as
the home of
WARNER BROTHERS
I think his brother is on another squad
Tat…. ask anyone who watches football. He’s #2 if not 1 on everyone’s list. And it’s three years
A good linebacker. The best in the game? Name someone better. Though I will bet the 49ers will regret this contract in about 3 years.
Being a life long Chiefs fan I became aware of Warner during the Super Bowl. Then listening to Mic’d up the guy is a beast and team player. He is worth every Penny he is paid for just the way plays and is on the field. I would pay to see him play.