Fred Warner Receives Interesting Ranking Despite 49ers Disaster Season

Star linebacker Fred Warner managed his own ailments throughout the season, playing a chunk of the season while nursing a fractured ankle. But even that significant of an injury could not slow him down entirely. 

Warner ended his year with 76 solo tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He continued to wreak havoc on a San Francisco defense that had lost some of its edge compared to years past. 

Nonetheless, he still managed a ranking of No. 57 on PFF's 101, earning a spot there for a fifth straight season. 

"At a position where it’s hard for players to be consistently elite, he has been just that. The 28-year-old has been one of the four highest-graded linebackers in football in each of the last five seasons and has now placed second three years in a row, this time earning an 89.2 PFF grade." 

"While he’s the third-ranked linebacker on this list, it’s hard not to view Warner as the gold standard for the position." 

Fellow Niners' defensive star Nick Bosa also made an appearance on the list. Though the individual accolade points to the merits of Warner, both he and Niners fans want to see more from the collective in the 2025 season. 

That is why San Francisco fired Nick Sorensen and zeroed in on Robert Saleh to return to the Bay Area and reclaim his former post as the team's defensive coordinator. 

Saleh was a favored candidate at the start of the coaching carousel but chose to come back to the Niners, giving this organization a boost heading into the offseason. 

Warner played for Saleh through his first three seasons in the league, so this reunion may prove even more beneficial for him. But the excitement and hypotheticals carry only so much weight when it comes to a storied franchise like the Niners. 

When the regular season rolls around in September, Warner and the entire Niners defense will be expected to bring a new attitude and better results.