SF 49ers: Fred Warner named first-team All-Pro for first time in career

SF 49ers linebacker Fred Warner received an exceptionally lofty accolade after 2020, being named an AP first-team All-Pro.

SF 49ers fans knew linebacker Fred Warner was going to be awfully good back during his rookie season in 2018.

In 2019, Warner proved it, although he still didn’t quite have the name recognition around the league, although Niners fans were surely in his corner as one of the league’s best by that point.

Then in 2020, Warner solidified himself to the rest of the NFL he was at the very pinnacle of linebacker play.

Warner entered the season at No. 70 on the NFL’s Top 100 list, which already showcased his quick ascent after being selected by San Francisco back in Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft out of BYU. Amid a year where not much went right for the SF 49ers, Warner was a constant and a key defensive playmaker for a defense that, despite a slew of injuries, still finished fifth best in terms of total yards allowed.

Those efforts not only resulted in Warner being named to the Pro Bowl, but on Friday, Warner was selected as an Associated Press first-team All-Pro.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, with whom Warner has often been compared, was the other first-team selection at the position.

As for his individual stats, Warner finished 2020 with a team-high 125 tackles, five of which were for a loss, seven quarterback hits, a sack, six passes broken up, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also had two interceptions on the season, showing all too well he’s capable of making any kind of play at any time.

On top of that, Warner’s role as the defense’s captain and leader only showcases the kind of respect he commands.

That’s a role San Francisco will look to exploit in the coming years.

Warner is due for what’s likely going to be a lucrative contract extension this offseason. Shortly after the regular season ended, general manager John Lynch indicated just how important the three-year pro is to the SF 49ers’ future plans.

“Fred’s a special leader, a special player, and a big part of the fabric of this team,” Lynch said. “And I see that as an opportunity, and we’ll find a way to keep him here.”

Warner, who just turned 24 years old, will command perhaps the largest linebacker contract in NFL history in the very near future. And while the Niners may be challenged to afford it, there’s no indication to suggest doing so won’t be worth the money spent.

Especially considering just how impressive Warner has been in his already-exceptional career.