That makes three massive extensions for the 49ers this offseason.
San Francisco and linebacker Fred Warner have agreed to terms on a three-year, $63 million contract extension that includes $56.7 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Monday.
The 28-year-old's pact with the Niners elevates him from second in per-year annual salary for inside linebackers to first, coming in at $21 million per year, just ahead of the Ravens' Roquan Smith ($20 million per season).
Warner, who had two years remaining on his contract but nothing guaranteed, was in need of a new deal as he was set to enter the 2025 season with a $29.2 million cap hit.
Warner has long been one of the league's best off-ball backers, as evidenced by his previous extension -- signed in 2021 -- still compensating him near the top of his position despite the passing years and deals struck by others.
The unquestioned leader of San Francisco's relentless defense, Warner has accumulated 897 tackles, 15 forced fumbles, 10 sacks and 10 interceptions over the course of his seven-year career. He owns a three-year streak of being recognized as both a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, having earned each distinction four times overall.
He will be looked upon to help deliver a bounce-back season for the Niners D in Robert Saleh's second stint as the unit's coordinator. After fielding four top-10 scoring defenses since Warner joined the club in 2018, San Francisco plummeted to a 29th-place ranking last season amid an injury-plagued 6-11 campaign.
An offseason of some tumult followed -- at least to start.
Defensively, the 49ers saw key pieces such as pass rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, defensive lineman Maliek Collins, safety Talanoa Hufanga and Warner's partner in crime, LB Dre Greenlaw, depart in free agency. They bled talent on the offensive line and traded running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
It was all due to John Lynch's recognition that the team needed to reset financially, although the general manager noted he had a plan.
That plan, clearing money off the books for future moves, has come to fruition in quick, redemptive fashion for fans downtrodden by the exodus of household names.
On April 29, the 49ers made George Kittle the league's highest-paid tight end with a four-year extension. They granted quarterback Brock Purdy an all-time pay raise on May 16, giving him $265 million over the next five years -- a massive bump from the $5.3 million he was due in the final year of his rookie contract as the 2022 draft's Mr. Irrelevant. Now, not long after extending its first, San Francisco has ensured a third massive star is set to stay.
Against the backdrop of so much transformation, the 49ers have extended the greatest tight end in club history, their franchise QB and one of the league's most feared and revered defenders.
All three must now get to work returning San Francisco to championship form.
