For the second time in his career, San Francisco’s Fred Warner becomes the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL after his next contract extension with the 49ers.
Fred Warner Agrees To Contract Extension With 49ers
ESPN Sources: Four-time All-Pro LB Fred Warner and the 49ers reached agreement on a three-year, $63 million contract extension that includes over $56 million in guaranteed money that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker. It marks the second time in his seven-year NFL… pic.twitter.com/L4GHK7h4Vy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 19, 2025
One of the NFL’s best linebackers is now its highest-paid at the position.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Warner and the 49ers have agreed to terms on a three-year, $63 million contract extension. The deal keeps Warner on the 49ers through the 2029 season and adds $56 million in guaranteed money.
Warner has two years left on a five-year, $95 million deal he signed in 2021.
Warner’s average annual salary is now $21 million, the highest in the NFL.
Since being drafted by the 49ers in 2018, Warner has been the heartbeat of San Francisco’s defense.
The linebacker has 897 tackles, 15 forced fumbles, 10 interceptions, and 10 sacks in seven seasons.
Warner has four First-Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances.
Warner and the 49ers defense will look to bounce back this season under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, a former coach with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020.
Highest-Paid NFL Linebackers
Player
Team
Average Annual Salary
Fred Warner
SF
$21 million
Roquan Smith
BAL
$20 million
Tremaine Edmunds
CHI
$18 million
Zack Baun
PHI
$17 million
Nick Bolton
KC
$15 million
Jamien Sherwood
NYJ
$15 million
Patrick Queen
PIT
$13.66 million
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
CLE
$12.5 million
Areez Al-Shaair
HOU
$11.33 million
Robert Spillane
NE
$11 million
Via OverTheCap.com
This is a list of the highest-paid NFL linebackers. It does not include edge rushers who are listed as outside linebackers.
Warner ($21 million) and Baltimore’s Roquan Smith ($20 million) are the only two linebackers on this list with an annual salary of $20 million or higher.
Philadelphia’s Zack Baun ($17 million), Kansas City’s Nick Bolton ($15 million), and New York’s Jamien Sherwood ($15 million) all signed new deals this offseason that put them at or above $15 million annually.
