Niners Nation
Taking a look at Fred Warner’s contract extension and breaking down the details, courtesy of Over the Cap.
The San Francisco 49ers' extension of Fred Warner was one of the no-brainer moves we discussed back in January. Warner rightfully became the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL once again a little over a week ago. It was never something Warner seemed to be worried about after having said, “It’ll all work itself out” a week ago.
There’s confusion when it comes to extensions in the NFL. Some fans believe that an extension ultimately costs the team more money. We finally have his contract details, courtesy of Over the Cap, and that could not be further from the truth.
Warner’s base salary in 2025 is now $1.255 million. His salary cap number for this season was reduced by $13.11 and by $16.98 million in 2026 as a result of the extension. That’s enough to sign a quality starting player in free agency next offseason.
Here’s a look at Warner’s base salary by year:
2025 - $1.255M
2026: $1.65M
2027: $15.3M
2028 - $20M
2029 - $20.15M
So, Warner helps the team, and he is rewarded with $56.7 million in guaranteed money, $20.3 million of which are new guarantees — Warner’s signing bonus was $16.39 million under his latest extension.
Warner will receive a $21 million option bonus in 2026. His ‘26 and ‘27 salaries will be fully guaranteed on April 1 of next season. As San Francisco tends to do with these contracts, it adds ghost years to the end of the contract, which helps spread the money out and “kick the can down the road.”
For example, Warner’s extension runs through 2029, but there are an additional four “void” years on his deal, one of which the team pushed Warner’s option bonus into (2030).
If, for whatever reason, Warner’s play begins to dip, the Niners can get out of his contract in 2028 without any financial repercussions. The 49ers would save $21 million against the cap with only $6.5 million in dead money if Warner were released. The following season, the cap savings jumps to $25.2 million, with only $3.27 million in dead money.
Warner’s game is predicated on instincts and physicality and not as much around speed as some might think. So, I wouldn’t expect his play to dip anytime in the near future.
