The heartbeat of the 49ers defense is going to be around for a long time.
Linebacker Fred Warner agreed to a five-year, $95 million extension with the team on Wednesday as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes $40.5 million in guaranteed money and makes Warner the league’s highest paid linebacker, eclipsing C.J. Mosley of the New York Jets and his $85 million deal. Warner is now under contract through the 2026 season.
The deal is well-timed, coming about a week before training camp is set to begin in what would have been the last year of Warner’s rookie deal.
Warner, 24, was a third-round pick out of BYU back in 2018, and wasted no time in becoming one of the best middle linebackers in football. Warner was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2020 and was also selected to the All-Pro first team. Warner has had over 100 tackles in all three seasons with the 49ers, his 125 last season a career high.
The 49ers have now inked long-term deals with Warner, George Kittle and Trent Williams. Defensive end Nick Bosa is likely next in line for a big deal, assuming he can stay healthy this season.