49ers roster: 4 pending free agents Niners must bring back in 2022

49ers Re-Sign Priority No. 1: Linebacker Fred Warner

The last thing the Niners need is to let All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner sniff NFL free agency.

In all likelihood, a would-be Warner extension is probably in the works and could take place anytime between now and the start of training camp, perhaps getting into a new range for linebackers with an annual average value over $18 million per year.

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Fine. That’s money well spent. Especially when one considers Warner’s previous annual average was a mere $995,000.

Granted, San Francisco doesn’t have to extend Warner right away. And the 49ers could even apply a franchise tag on Warner in 2022 if they want to. Yet that could easily create friction between the franchise and one if its top defensive players, and the market for young Pro Bowl-caliber linebackers isn’t going to get cheaper anytime soon.

Related Story: Predicting extensions for Fred Warner, Nick Bosa

So, understandably, it would be much wise for the Niners to finish off an extension for Warner sooner than later.

Beyond just the impact and the numbers, San Francisco rewarding Warner with a plus-sized contract would also show to the rest of the team how exceptional play and leadership can pay off, which is a great way to ensure the general happiness of the roster. The 49ers have no need to lowball Warner here.

Sooner equals better in this case.