Warner Cashes In as New Highest Paid MLB

The San Francisco 49ers have officially announced a significant three-year contract extension with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, cementing his status as the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history. This landmark agreement, valued at $63 million with more than $56 million guaranteed, was finalized on Thursday and ensures Warner remains a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense through the 2029 season.

Fred Warner has consistently set the tone for the entire team with his remarkable combination of speed, physicality, and unwavering consistency on the field. Beyond his athletic prowess, Warner’s passion, energy, and professionalism stand out just as much off the field, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a Niner. “We are extremely proud to have secured this extension and locked Fred in for the future,” team GM John Lynch stated, highlighting his pivotal role not only in their defensive strategy but also in shaping the team’s culture.

This extension marks the third major contract renewal the 49ers have secured with key players since the recent draft, following quarterback Brock Purdy’s unprecedented five-year, $265 million extension and tight end George Kittle’s lucrative four-year, $76.4 million deal. These moves demonstrate the franchise’s commitment to building around its core talent and maintaining a competitive roster with championship aspirations.

The 49ers are eager to rebound after a challenging 6–11 season, striving to recapture the exceptional form that propelled them to the Super Bowl in 2023—their second appearance in the championship game since the arrival of general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan in 2017. Warner had two years remaining on the five-year, $95 million deal he signed in 2021, which was then the richest contract ever awarded to an off-ball linebacker and second only to the Baltimore Ravens’ Roquan Smith.

With this new deal, Warner’s average annual value rises to an impressive $21 million, surpassing Smith’s $20 million per year and reaffirming Warner’s position as the NFL’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker. This milestone not only reflects Warner’s elite talent and leadership but also underscores the 49ers’ dedication to rewarding excellence and securing the foundation of their defense for years to come.