Fred Warner

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		121	948	10.0	10
2025		6	51	0.0	0
2024		17	131	1.0	2
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The 49ers struck a solid, if unspectacular, deal in locking up Fred Warner at $21M AAV, earning a B- CVI that reflects fair market value for a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker. While Warner's production consistently places him among the NFL's top off-ball linebackers, the contract essentially pays him like the elite defender he is without getting a discount — this is neither a steal nor an overpay, but rather what happens when you negotiate with an established star at his peak leverage. At 27 years old, Warner should remain in his prime throughout most of this three-year extension, making the age curve a non-factor in the deal's evaluation. The $40.8M guaranteed ($13.6M per year) provides reasonable protection for San Francisco while avoiding the long-term risk of a five or six-year commitment, though it also means they'll likely face another expensive negotiation sooner rather than later. This represents exactly what competent front offices do with franchise-caliber players — pay market rate to retain core talent without getting cute, ensuring defensive continuity while leaving enough cap flexibility to address other roster needs.

Performance Analysis

Fred Warner grades as an above-average starter among NFL linebackers — an above-average player at the position. His strongest area is tackles for loss at 0.92 (well above the NFL average of 0.40), ranking as elite for the position. Passes defended, at 0.50 compared to an NFL average of 0.20, is where he falls short relative to the position. With 121 career games, there is a large sample size backing this grade.

Current Sentiment

Fred Warner maintains an elite reputation as one of the NFL's premier linebackers, earning widespread media praise for his exceptional on-field performance and leadership qualities with the San Francisco 49ers. Recent coverage has been overwhelmingly positive, with analysts suggesting the team shouldn't even consider drafting at his position given Warner's dominance at the linebacker spot. His ahead-of-schedule recovery from an ankle injury has generated significant optimism about a potential playoff return, highlighting both his durability and the franchise's heavy reliance on his defensive impact. Media outlets have positioned Warner as "putting the NFL on notice" with his consistent elite-level play, while his role as a defensive cornerstone has become even more pronounced alongside the team's offensive improvements. The veteran linebacker continues to be viewed as an indispensable piece of San Francisco's championship puzzle, with fan sentiment remaining exceptionally favorable toward the franchise-caliber defender. Warner's Contract Value Index (CVI) grade of A reflects this overwhelmingly positive public perception, as both media and analysts consistently frame him as one of the league's most valuable defensive players.