The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a NFL season that fell short of expectations, but the organization is making moves to strengthen its roster in hopes of a deep postseason run. With quarterback Brock Purdy now locked into a long-term deal, the team appears fully committed to its core and ready to turn the page on 2025-26.
According to sources from NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers are close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. San Francisco seems determined to avoid the drama of last offseason, when several players skipped voluntary workouts amid unresolved contract talks.
Warner’s new deal is expected to make him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. The 2018 third-round pick out of BYU has been a cornerstone of the defense since his rookie year, and his presence continues to be a perfect fit within the 49ers’ defensive system.
In his seven NFL seasons, Warner has earned four Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors. He has missed just one game in that span, amassing 897 total tackles—569 of them solo—with 36 tackles for loss. His consistency and durability have made him one of the league’s elite defensive leaders.
Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
Fred Warner weighs in on team’s progress
Speaking Saturday at his ProCamps youth event at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, Warner shared his thoughts on the 49ers‘ offseason. With both George Kittle and Brock Purdy having signed contract extensions early, Warner emphasized the positive energy heading into the 2025 campaign.
see also
NFL News: Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers sign new player following Brock Purdy’s big contract extension
“I think it’s obviously worked out really well being able to knock those things out earlier,” Warner told NBC Sports Bay Area. “Allowing us to focus just purely on ball and getting better as a team, so things are moving in the right direction.”
Purdy, Kittle, and Warner not only bring All-Pro talent to the field, but they’re also foundational voices in the locker room. Despite negotiations looming, all three have remained active participants throughout the team’s offseason program, underscoring their leadership and commitment.
San Francisco adds veteran kicker
In roster news, the 49ers have signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph to a one-year contract, per his agent Brett Tessler. The move is likely designed to create competition for incumbent Jake Moody, who has served as the team’s primary kicker for the past two seasons.
