49ers Sign Fred Warner to Historic $63 Million Extension/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The San Francisco 49ers signed All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to a $63 million extension through 2029. The deal makes him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history. Warner’s contract includes over $56 million in guaranteed money.
Fred Warner Extension Quick Looks
- Fred Warner signs 3-year, $63M extension with 49ers.
- Deal includes over $56 million in guarantees.
- Warner now highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history.
- Contract keeps Warner in San Francisco through 2029.
- Marks third major extension by 49ers this offseason.
- Warner has four First-Team All-Pro selections.
- Played most of 2024 season with broken ankle bone.
- Racked up 131 tackles, 2 INTs, and 4 forced fumbles in 2024.
- Career stats: 896 tackles, 10 sacks, 10 INTs, 15 forced fumbles.
- One of only three active players with 10+ sacks, INTs, and FFs.
Deep Look: 49ers Make Fred Warner Highest-Paid Linebacker in NFL History With $63M Deal
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — May 19, 2025 — The San Francisco 49ers continue to lock down their franchise stars, this time rewarding All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner with a record-setting three-year, $63 million contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2029 season.
According to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the Associated Press, the contract includes more than $56 million in guaranteed money. The 49ers have not officially announced the deal.
The agreement, first reported by ESPN, makes Warner the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history, surpassing Roquan Smith’s $20 million per year average. Warner’s new deal averages $21 million annually, reestablishing his market-setting value in a position that often goes underpaid relative to its impact.
A Crucial Piece of a Dominant Defense
Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Warner has evolved into one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic defenders. He’s been named a First-Team All-Pro in four of the past five seasons, anchoring a Niners defense that has consistently ranked among the NFL’s best.
In 2024, Warner tallied 131 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, and 4 forced fumbles — and he did it despite playing with a broken bone in his ankle for much of the season.
He joins an elite group of players who have reshaped what it means to be a modern linebacker, excelling in both run-stopping and coverage duties.
Elite Company: Warner Among the Best
Warner’s career resume speaks volumes. In his seven NFL seasons, he has amassed:
- 896 total tackles (4th-most in the NFL since 2018)
- 10 sacks
- 10 interceptions
- 15 forced fumbles
- 6 fumble recoveries
- 36 tackles for loss
- 53 passes defended
He’s one of only three active NFL players with 10+ sacks, 10+ interceptions, and 10+ forced fumbles, joining Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings and Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The only active players with more First-Team All-Pro honors than Warner are Bobby Wagner (6) and Tyreek Hill (5).
A Drama-Free Offseason in San Francisco
The Warner deal is the third major extension for the 49ers this offseason, following quarterback Brock Purdy’s blockbuster $265 million extension and tight end George Kittle’s new $76.4 million contract.
The team appears determined to avoid the contract drama that plagued previous training camps. In recent years, the 49ers have endured holdouts or delays with stars like Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Deebo Samuel.
With key players now secured well ahead of summer camp, San Francisco enters the 2025 preseason in one of its most stable roster positions in years.
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