The San Francisco 49ers just got done inking a deal with George Kittle to put out one fire before it begins. However, another ember could be smoking in a dry forest on the defensive side of the ball.
49ers linebacker Fred Warner was placed on holdout watch by many in the NFL zeitgeist. However, the linebacker has reportedly addressed whether he would follow through on making such a move.
Fred Warner Opens Up on Extension Talks
In an April 22 post on Twitter/X, ESPN NFL reporter Nick Wagoner reported that the linebacker will be available for the duration of the offseason program as his agent and the San Francisco 49ers continue to work on a new deal.
#49ers LB Fred Warner says he does not plan to miss any part of the offseason program as part of a contract dispute. He expressed confidence his agent and the Niners will figure out the right move on a potential extension.
As a reminder: a new deal for Warner would be done with…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) April 22, 2025
“49ers LB Fred Warner says he does not plan to miss any part of the offseason program as part of a contract dispute. He expressed confidence his agent and the Niners will figure out the right move on a potential extension,” Wagoner posted.
“As a reminder: a new deal for Warner would be done with an eye toward lowering his significant cap hits of $29.17 million in 2025 and $26.71 million in 2026,” he added.
The linebacker has only played with the 49ers in a career that started in 2018. He’s earned four Pro Bowls and three NFC Player of the Week awards since. With the 49ers hoping to keep the nucleus together for at least one more big shot, Warner’s attendance could be important.
According to PFSN’s Defense+ metrics, the 49ers already rank 26th with him, seemingly placing the leverage with their star linebacker.
Warner’s Contract Deadline Looms on the Horizon
Warner’s tone about the situation is friendly, but the conversation has begun. Just because things are peachy between the linebacker and his team today does not mean they will be tomorrow.
As the time continues to tick toward the end of his current contract, the odds of trouble could rise. As it stands, the linebacker is under contract through the end of the 2026 season.
Typically, the second-to-last year of a deal is when conversations about an extension begin, but the pressure only begins to ratchet up in the offseason going into the final season of a deal.
However, in Warner’s position, there is some added urgency this offseason as the linebacker heads into the end of his 20s. As a player at 28 years old, he has arguably more leverage than he will have a year from now on the doorstep of 30.
Will the 49ers sign their linebacker without any drama?