Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Fred Warner is the heart and soul of the 49ers defense. Drafted in the 3rd round in 2018, the 49ers saw a rangy hybrid linebacker who represented an evolution of the position. Warner was not meant to be the run stopping middle linebacker from a bygone era, Warner's skills perfectly matched the current state of the game. A game in which passing is emphasized by coaching and officiating, where a good QB earns $30 million a year while the very best running back can't make $15 million.
Though the 49ers drafted Warner with this in mind, they got so much more than they bargained for. Upon his arrival the 49ers hoped to pair him with Rueben Foster as their 1-2 punch at linebacker. Foster was their first-round pick from 2017, and looked to be the future of the defense. This made it even more impressive when Warner, not Foster, got the green dot on his helmet in his rookie season. The 3rd round rookie from BYU displayed the intelligence, leadership and commitment to be the defensive signal caller. By November 2018 Foster was released. Foster's poor behavior was the main reason for his release, but it's hard not to look at the development of Warner as something that made the decision that much easier. Warner was becoming what Foster was drafted to be, a team leader.
In 2019 the 49ers paired Warner with free-agent linebacker Kwon Alexander and then magic happened. Once timid, Alexander instilled confidence in Fred Warner, and in doing so, Warner's game elevated to a higher echelon. In 2018 Warner was solid, in 2019 Warner was a threat. With Warner commanding the defense the 49ers made it all the way to Super Bowl 54 and came up just short of a championship. While they may have lost a title, they found their defensive leader for the next decade in the process.
2019 Performance
Warner's statistical output saw a significant jump from 2018 to 2019. His ability to create turnovers was the most obvious area of improvement. Overall Warner recorded 118 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 9 passes defended, 1 interception and 1 touchdown. Warner did it all for the 49ers in 2019. Pro Football Focus graded Warner out at a 66.9.
2020 Cost
Warner may be the very best value player on the 49ers in 2020, considering George Kittle will get a new deal of course. The 49ers are only paying Warner $1 million this coming season.
Future Outlook
Picture Warner in red & gold for the next 10 years. His contract expires in 2021, at which point the 49ers would be foolish not to re-sign him and pay him like the cornerstone he is. His vast improvement from year 1 to year 2, coupled with his unquestionable leadership ability makes him a player the 49ers cannot afford to lose. When examining contracts of other players around the league at his position, it's fair to estimate his contract should cost the 49ers around $11-13 million per year. That will be money well spent.
49ers' Fred Warner addresses Armstead's departure, Greenlaw's recovery, Super Bowl window
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
The news of Arik Armstead's departure from the San Francisco 49ers after nine seasons with the team shocked linebacker Fred Warner. Armstead, a former first-round pick, was an impactful force on the football field. However, his availability over the last two seasons forced the 49ers to reevaluate his contract, and when his salary could not be significantly reduced, the two sides parted ways.
"Huge surprise," Warner said of learning that Armstead was being released. "Ever since I've been here, we called him the blueprint for how to be a Niner. That was the longest-tenured Niner that's been here and a guy that's done it right through and through."
Warner has been in the NFL long enough to understand how the league works. Over the years, he's watched several
Top 49ers Offensive Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
By Wayne P. Brown
Apr 23
With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, the anticipation is palpable as San Francisco prepares to make their first first-round selection in over two years. Here, I present the top prospects for each offensive position, both inside and outside the top 100, with their potential to shape the team's future and draft grades.
Quarterback - Michael Penix Jr., Washington
2nd-round grade
Strengths:
Pocket passer
High IQ and processing
Blitz beater
Concerns:
Durability (Four season-ending injuries)
Accuracy outside the pocket.
Michael Penix Jr. is a great pocket-passing quarterback with a high IQ pre- and post-snap. He can read the defense well and
Schrager mock draft has 49ers adding 'universally liked and respected' receiver
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
With only nine days remaining until the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager revealed his first mock draft of the year. While most might expect the San Francisco 49ers to target an offensive lineman, Schrager has the team bolstering its wide receiver corps with an SEC talent.
Schrager has the 49ers using the No. 31 overall pick to select former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, whose 2023 campaign with the Bulldogs was limited by back and ankle injuries.
"McConkey in the first round? Yes," Schrager wrote. "Above guys like Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman? Perhaps. I've spoken to a
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the San Francisco 49ers are hosting former Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace on a pre-draft visit today and tomorrow.
More Pre-Draft visits:-- #Georgia S Tykee Smith, who has been buzzing over the last few weeks, is on a visit to the #Bucs today.-- #PSU edge Chop Robinson will be at the
