ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has been combing through each position on both sides of the ball, citing team executives and coaches, and his latest analysis on the 10 best off-ball linebackers entering 2026 won't come as a surprise to San Francisco 49ers fans.
All-Pro Fred Warner was No. 1 despite missing the majority of last season with a brutal ankle injury suffered just six games in.
No shocker there. Warner remains in a class of his own, then there's everyone else.
But the bigger takeaway here is how Warner is steadily edging closer toward becoming the best linebacker in Niners history—awfully elite company when one considers San Francisco's other linebacking greats, such as Patrick Willis and Dave Wilcox.
True, both of those names have since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet Warner is well on that trajectory, and he might've already put himself alongside someone like Willis at the peak of his playing days.
ESPN nod further solidifies Fred Warner's claim as greatest 49ers LB ever
Granted, Fowler wasn't compiling his list back when Warner (and especially Wilcox) were playing. But the fact Warner has been named the NFL's best at his position four years in a row says something in a very Willis-like manner.
Indeed, Warner is already closing in on Willis' franchise record for solo tackles (597 to 733, respectively), and it wouldn't be a shock to see the former overtake that number in two years' time. Additionally, Warner eclipsed Willis' total of forced fumbles a year ago (17 to 16) and already has two more interceptions than the Hall of Famer.
Then, there are the leaguewide accolades.
Willis, the 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, amassed seven Pro Bowl nods and five first-team All-Pro selections. Warner, who didn't land the rookie honor, nevertheless boasts four Pro Bowl nominations and another four first-team All-Pro designations. A few more Warner-like seasons, and it won't be a surprise to anyone to see him overtake Willis on the number of NFL awards and honors.
Two all-time elite greats. And if Warner does soon eclipse Willis as the best in San Francisco, it's at least a fun comparison every 49ers fan can enjoy.
And ESPN certainly aided in the discussion with the latest ranking.
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