Fred Warner nears record $100M contract that would make him NFL's top-paid linebacker

San Francisco 49ers Fred Warner is near agreement on a franchise-record contract for over $100 million, making him the NFL's highest-paid inside linebacker, according to sources. The signing confirms the San Francisco 49ers' future plans and places Fred Warner among the league's leading defensive players. Taken in the third round back in 2018, Fred Warner has established a phenomenal career on consistency, leadership, and game-changing performances—qualities that are now being rewarded with a historic paycheck.
Fred Warner’s $100M extension to break Roquan Smith's record-breaking linebacker deal
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is on the verge of a contract extension that will surpass the existing benchmark contract signed by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith—a five-year, $100 million deal. Fred Warner's new contract will push above that number in total and average annual value, making him the highest-paid defender at his position and highlighting the 49ers' strategic emphasis on defense.
The San Francisco 49ers already have offensive building blocks, Brock Purdy and George Kittle locked up with extension deals, and Fred Warner's upcoming extension is another big move in bolstering their core group. Fred Warner, who has registered 118 or more tackles each year since he joined the league, is widely considered the heartbeat of San Francisco's defense.

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His influence extends far beyond statistics. As a defensive leader, Warner's quickness, athleticism, and decision-making establish the tone for the 49ers' physical, elite defensive culture. Year by year, he has established himself as one of the league's most dependable players, not only as one of its premier linebackers.
What this does for San Francisco 49ers and NFL
Fred Warner's extension is not merely a contractual deal—it is an indicator of a wider change in how top defensive talent is considered in the modern NFL. While quarterbacks and receivers sign gargantuan contracts, elite defenders are finally joining the same financial stratosphere as their game-altering potential is acknowledged.
The San Francisco 49ers are sending a definitive message: keeping leadership and stability on defense at the heart of their championship goals. With Warner, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy locked up, the 49ers have built a foundation designed for long-term success.
Also read: Fred Warner Net Worth, Current Salary, Accomplishments and More
As Warner gets set to sign this historic agreement, his path from a third-round draft pick to the face of a team's defense is one of the most uplifting lines in recent NFL history. The effect of this agreement will ripple throughout the league and redraw market standards for defensive talent.