49ers Sign LB Fred Warner to Record $63M Extension

The San Francisco 49ers have secured linebacker Fred Warner with a three-year, $63 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history with an average annual value of $21 million. This deal, which includes $56 million in guarantees, extends Warner's contract through the 2029 season and follows recent extensions given to quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle. Warner, a key defensive player and multiple-time first-team All-Pro, has been a durable and impactful presence for the 49ers, missing only one game in his seven-year career and consistently performing at an elite level. The early extensions for core players like Warner, Purdy, and Kittle signal a smoother offseason for the 49ers, avoiding the contract disputes that impacted training camps in recent years. Warner was initially signed by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has developed into one of the league's top defensive talents, praised for his versatility in both run and pass defense. The extension reflects both Warner's value to the team and the evolving market for linebackers in the NFL.