SANTA CLARA — The 49ers defense belongs to Fred Warner, even if he’s reticent to acknowledge it.
He’s 24 years old but wise beyond his years, a starter in all 48 games in three seasons, an incumbent first-team All-Pro as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
Warner is the lifeline to first-year defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, listed as a middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense but capable of ranging sideline to sideline when defensive backs replace linebackers in nickel and dime alignments. Warner had 125 tackles last season, but the plays he prevents in pass coverage can be as meaningful as the tackles he makes behind the line of scrimmage.
Look no further than the contract Warner signed on July 21 to erase any doubt as to who the 49ers are counting on to lead a championship defense. Warner agreed to a five-year extension worth a maximum of $95 million with $40.5 million guaranteed. According to OverTheCap.com, Warner’s average salary of just over $19 million rank behind only Darius Leonard of Indianapolis ($19.7 million).
At that rate, Warner will be expected to perform in the manner of former 49ers star linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Warner may not be as physical as either player but his ability to make plays in the open field makes him a prototypical inside linebacker in the modern NFL.
In addition to that, Warner is expected to supply an example in terms of leadership and inspiration — something Willis and Bowman also did in abundance.
“They made an investment in me because of what I’ve done and what they’re expecting me to continue to do, as a leader, as a player,” Warner said Wednesday as the 49ers began preparations in earnest for their Week 1 road assignment against the Detroit Lions. “I’m just going to continue to operate the same way I do day to day. I’ll work my tail off and the results will handle themselves.”
There is no sense of buyer’s remorse from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who never coached Willis or Bowman but will put his guy up against anyone at his position.
“I think they’re all different types of players, but Fred is as good a linebacker to me as those guys,” Shanahan said. “Those guys did it for a long time and Fred’s done it every year he’s been in the league and he continues to get better each year.”
NFL teams take on different personalities year to year in the locker room. From 2018, Warner’s rookie year, through 2020, the alpha was Richard Sherman. He made himself available to offensive and defensive players alike with all manner of advice, whether it be on the field or off.
Sherman, present personal issues aside, was a dominant figure. He was more outspoken and bombastic, in keeping with his personality. Warner will assume some of those leadership roles with a style more befitting his own personality.
“You talk about Richard, and the type of leader and person he was on a day-to-day basis. That’s how I try to be on a day-to-day basis myself, right,” Warner said. “I try to just lead by example every day, bring guys along when I can. I take pride in doing things the right way and showing guys if you do things the right way you get rewarded.”
Shanahan sees a player who has never missed a game, has the right approach and figures the investment was well worth it.
“When you’ve got a guy of Fred’s character and the way he works, you’re paying him because he’s earned it but you’re also paying him for what he’s going to do going forward,” Shanahan said. “He’s a guy I see getting better all the time and having a great career.”
Starting quarterback Jimmy Garappolo looks at Warner’s age and experience and sees one thing, then watches how the linebacker conducts himself marvels at his poise, composure and dedication.
“He sets a tone on the field and in the locker room, and in different ways,” Garoppolo said. “A guy who has been in it three years. I can remember myself when I was in my third year, and it was a lot different than how he is. He’s a guy you love to be around, sets the example for the younger guys, let’s them know what the standard is.”
Warner’s range and athletic ability will be put to the test against the Lions, with potential responsibilities including running back D’Andre Swift out of the backfield and tight end T.J. Hockenson downfield.
“The Lions present a challenge for us knowing that there’s a lot of turnover over there, so we’re going to have to wait and see how things go in the first half and adjust accordingly,” Warner said.
