The San Francisco 49ers made headlines this week by making Brock Purdy one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, and it appears as though they aren't done yet.
While no deal has been agreed upon yet, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area is reporting that the Niners and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner are on the verge of a new deal to keep him around.
🚨 Fred Warner and the 49ers are very close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension, sources tell @jenniferleechanhttps://t.co/hqjqpg54YF
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) May 18, 2025
Per Chan's report, Warner's extension will likely make him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league, eclipsing the deal given to Roquan Smith by the Baltimore Ravens. For comparison sake, Smith agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with Baltimore that guaranteed him $45 million. Needless to say, Warner's new deal will be lucrative if it surpasses Smith's contract.
The former third-round pick has been a mainstay on San Francisco's defense for the last seven years. His play has earned him the honor of being named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler on four occasions.
For his career, Warner has recorded 897 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback sacks, 10 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns. The former BYU Cougars standout has also been extremely durable for the Niners, starting all 115 games he has appeared in since entering the NFL.
With Warner set to be a key piece of the puzzle for years to come in San Francisco, the Niners have successfully agreed to extensions with three of the most important players on their roster ahead of OTAs. Having Warner, Purdy, and George Kittle all under contract long-term and on the field for the full offseason program will be a major boost for the franchise ahead of the 2025 campaign.
As happy as John Lynch is about completing these deals, it seems safe to say that 49ers fans are even more excited.