Fred Warner goes from All-pro to all-paid-up
Fred Warner absolutely should pan out as the 49ers’ latest, highly paid linebacker. Which would be a welcome change.
Malcolm Smith, Reuben Foster and Kwon Alexander sure didn’t, not after this current regime anted up for them in 2017, ‘18 and ‘19, respectively.
Warner’s first three seasons earned him not only a raise but a market-setting salary among linebackers. He’s agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract extension with $40.5 million guaranteed, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo first reported.
Warner and all 49ers are slated to report for training camp July 27. The 49ers and Warner’s agent have yet to publicly confirm the deal.
Warner is the prototype of a modern-day linebacker, as opposed to the old-school version known for punishing hits when looser rules allowed them.
He’s got range, he’s instinctive, he’s intelligent, he’s a sure tackler and he’s an organically grown captain. He’s channeling 49ers’ predecessors Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman more so than the aforementioned crop of washouts this current 49ers brass overpaid.
Warner arrived in 2018 as a third-round draft pick — as well as shrewd insurance for Foster, who proved unreliable on and off the field.
“All-pro Fred” became a grassroots nickname bestowed upon him by teammates until it became a realized honor last season, when injuries crippled defenders (and offensive stars) all around Warner.
A potential new nickname: Big Bread Fred, as tweeted by former 49ers teammate Trent Taylor in congratulating Warner.
So where does he go from here? He’s now being paid like a Pro Bowler, and the BYU product is an exemplary pro, on and off the field.
“Overall, I want to separate myself, being more of a gamechanger, being able to attack the football, work on my tackling in the box, getting my feet in the ground and working on my burst in and out of breaks,” Warner answered in May on where he must improve. “Little details are what really matter now.”
Critical this season is his connection to Demeco Ryans, who ascends to the defensive coordinator role after three years as the linebackers’ coach.