Fred Warner is worth every penny 49ers gave him

Fred Warner’s leadership

Another of those traits that might not justify going past positional value but absolutely matter, Fred Warner has grown into the leader of the defense, and his leadership has to be accounted for.

Although talent is the most important thing in football, chemistry within the locker room matters, and Warner has been a consummate professional whose work has inspired many. The biggest proof is the reaction from his teammates, former and current, following his contract extension.

Warner has been a class act, on and off the field, and although the 49ers proved that they view contract extensions with a cold eye for business, such as when they made the strategic decision to trade now-Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, believing they could draft his replacement and instead use the money to pay for other Niners like Arik Armstead, Jimmie Ward, and George Kittle, it helps that they spent on a player who has been a defensive stalwart and major presence.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “[the 49ers] believe that Warner embodies all the traits they are looking for on and off the field.”

Fans would have to agree.