It’s Time To Have A Conversation About 49ers Linebacker Fred Warner
Jul 27, 2025, 4:43 PM | Updated: Jul 29, 2025, 10:48 am
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After yet another Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro season, it might be time to have a conversation about San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.
Now seven years into his NFL career, Warner has cemented himself as one of the game’s premier defenders — and maybe more than that. Has he earned a spot among the greatest linebackers of all time?
Which 49ers LB would you take? Patrick Willis or Fred Warner?
Two all-time greats. pic.twitter.com/x4lJ4BWMgi
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) June 9, 2025
49ers Great Fred Warner
As of right now, Warner is already top three in his position for one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. Patrick Willis is comfortably in first place, and you could argue between him and Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox.
With that said, this argument will come down to longevity versus peak. Warner and the 49ers agreed to a three-year contract extension to make him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL this offseason.
He has shown no signs of slowing down and likely has five or more seasons of All-Pro production left in the tank.
Fred Warner over the past two years:
⛏️ 90.8 coverage grade
⛏️ 90.8 run defense gradeNo other LB has even an 80+ grade in both categories 🔒 pic.twitter.com/K2GQibJjj0
— PFF (@PFF) July 24, 2025
Fred Warner Against NFL History
Also, as of right now, Warner is likely already a top 25 linebacker in NFL history. If not already there, he will be after next season.
Despite not having a Super Bowl win yet, there are many other top 25 locks in that same boat. Brian Urlacher, Junior Seau, Dick Butkus, and Willis all failed to win it all before their careers came to an end.
He would need at least one to enter the GOAT conversation with the likes of Lawrence Taylor and Ray Lewis, but we’re just focusing on a top-25 placement for now.
Based on accolades and production, I believe there are 12 linebackers that there isn’t a debate for Warner to be ahead of. Those names are Taylor, Lewis, Butkus, Seau, Willis, Urlacher, Jack Lambert, Mike Singletary, Derrick Brooks, Jack Ham, Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner.
“He’s already a Hall of Famer in my mind. The best of not one of the best linebackers in the league. He brings the energy everyday.”
Robert Saleh on Fred Warner pic.twitter.com/4vM8cVi6Fj
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 24, 2025
For guys around the same tier that you could probably debate Warner over are Bobby Bell, Chuck Bednarik, Kevin Greene, Sam Mills, Harry Carson, Clay Matthews, Terrell Suggs, Willie Lanier, and London Fletcher.
Among all of those names, I would argue Warner slides into the top 15 to 20 all-time range with plenty of time to rise higher.
About Fred Warner
Before his time in the NFL, the San Marcos, California native played at BYU from 2014-17.
During his four seasons in Provo, the linebacker recorded 264 total tackles, 158 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and two touchdowns.
Warner was selected by the Niners with the No. 70 overall pick during the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In 2022, Warner had 130 total tackles, 79 solo tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and 10 pass breakups in 17 regular-season games.
Last year, the All-Pro linebacker posted 132 total tackles, 82 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups.
Let’s dominate 😤 pic.twitter.com/e874uVILR6
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 10, 2024
During his seven seasons in the league, Warner has recorded 766 total tackles, 493 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, eight interceptions, 46 pass breakups, and one touchdown.
During his career in the postseason, Warner has posted 97 total tackles, 64 solo tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and five pass breakups in 12 playoff games.
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