The San Francisco 49ers and star linebacker Fred Warner worked tirelessly to lock him up with a new contract to keep him in the Bay Area. Earlier in the week, finally, Warner inked a deal, in turn becoming the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. Warner then met with the media on Thursday and spoke on the negotiations. (h/t Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk)
“I'm just happy it's over.”
The 24-year-old never wavered in his desire to remain with San Francisco, even stating during OTAs that he wanted to be a “Niner for life.” Now Warner has locked up a five-year deal worth up to $95 million and will be with San Francisco until he pushes the age of 30.
There is a lot to be excited about in the Niners organization, especially after selecting Trey Lance in the first round of the NFL Draft and pegging him as the next face of the franchise in San Francisco.
Warner reset the market for the position, with both Darius Leonard and Roquan Smith due for extensions as well. For what it's worth, Leonard was a bit excited to see Warner's money, especially given he should command close to the same amount.
The NFL training camps are getting started, and it's a collective sigh of relief that Warner and the 49ers could get the deal wrapped up in time.