GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 26: Linebacker Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass to wide receiver KeeSean Johnson #19 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers have rewarded Fred Warner for his outstanding play, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL with his five-year extension.
It seemed like only a matter of time before the San Francisco 49ers put a giant offer on the table for superstar linebacker Fred Warner. In his first three years in the Bay Area, the standout inside ‘backer has posted 367 tackles.
On Wednesday, the NFC West power decided enough was enough and it was time to get things done with Warner to make sure he stays in town for a while. Well, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, he’s landed a five-year extension with the team worth $95 million.
Fred Warner’s extension with the 49ers makes him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league
Per Garofolo, Warner’s new contract makes him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. On top of that, of his $95 million, a head-turning $40.5 million is guaranteed. This just goes to show how much of a priority John Lynch and Co. wanted to make Warner ahead of Week 1.
In 2020, Warner was brilliant. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder recorded a career-high 125 total tackles, with one sack and two interceptions. That strong play led to First-Team All-Pro honors. Warner’s durability has also been great to see for the team.
Since making his NFL debut in 2018, Warner has appeared in 48 games, starting every single one for the 49ers defense. A former playmaker for BYU, Warner was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the No. 70 overall pick. He’s more than exceeded expectations since.
In fact, Warner has looked like a top-10 pick over the years. Now, he’ll be ready to keep things going and play at a prime level for Kyle Shanahan. He’ll be doing so $95 million richer too.