Monday brought long-awaited news to the San Francisco 49ers fanbase. Less than a week after locking down quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers signed star linebacker Fred Warner to a three-year, $63 million extension that includes $53 million in guaranteed money — a new record for his position.
Warner is one of the best LBs to touch the gridiron in recent history, and securing him ensures that a key piece of the 49ers' defense isn't going anywhere. Unsurprisingly, the new deal is being celebrated by San Francisco fans across the country, as well as one recent fan favorite who just left the team.
Former 49ers Deebo Samuel Congratulates Fred Warner on New Extension
Even though he was traded to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, former 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel had nothing but kind words for Warner after the latter's extension was announced.
"Yessir money man 54. Congrats, my brother," Samuel posted to his Instagram stories (h/t @Coach_Yac). "Well deserved, keep stepping and being you. All love, my brother."
49ers fans will love the fact that Samuel is still supporting Warner despite leaving town this spring.
The standout duo has played their entire NFL careers together after joining San Francisco around the same time, with Warner being a former 2018 third-round pick while Samuel was drafted in the second round one year later. They also played 12 playoff games across four postseason appearances since 2019, which includes two trips to the Super Bowl.
Throughout that time, Warner established himself as one of the NFL's best linebackers. The former BYU product has racked up 569 solo tackles, 53 broken-up passes, 15 forced fumbles, 10.0 sacks, 10 interceptions, and two Pick-6s in 115 career starts, all while making four Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro appearances apiece.
After having a front-row ticket to Warner's dominance for years, Samuel must watch his friend from afar. The former 49ers playmaker was traded to the Commanders in March, resulting in San Francisco receiving a 2025 fifth-round pick, which was used on Oregon running back Jordan James.
For now, 49ers fans will wait to see how Warner lives up to the hype once the 2025 regular season begins. The 49ers need him to continue being one of the best LBs in the NFL if they want to win the NFC West, which they have +175 odds (2nd) to do, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
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