Primarily based on the speed different positional contracts have exploded, San Francisco considerably benefitted from a league extensive devaluation of linebackers.
Smith set the market at $20M in January 2023, so it is a bit shocking for Warner to web solely $1M extra.
The 2018 third-round decide (No. 70 general) is coming off three consecutive first-team All-Professional picks. Final season, he had 131 tackles, seven passes defended, 4 compelled fumbles, two interceptions, a landing and a sack.
When in comparison with different positions, Warner’s extension is a downright steal.
In September 2024, Dak Prescott reset the quarterback market when he signed a four-year, $240M extension value $60M yearly, a 9% enhance ($5M) from contracts signed by Joe Burrow (September 2023), Trevor Lawrence (June 2024) and Jordan Love (July 2024).
Quarterbacks have not been the one ones to see massive spikes within the prime earners at their place.
In March, Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase obtained a 15% increase over Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson when he signed a four-year, $161M extension, value $5.25M extra yearly than his former LSU teammate’s four-year, $140M contract.
Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett’s four-year, $160M extension signed on March 9 was value $4.5M/yr greater than Raiders edge Maxx Crosby’s three-year, $106.5M extension signed 4 days earlier on March 5, a 12.7% enhance.
Even operating again Saquon Barkley’s two-year, $41.2M extension value $20.6M yearly represented an 8.4% enhance over 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey’s previous high for running backs ($19M/yr).
The gradual charge of progress at off-ball linebacker reveals how the place is seen in 2025.
With the explosion of passing offenses, groups have put a premium on cornerbacks — in March, Texans nook Derek Stingley grew to become the primary defensive again to earn $30M per yr after signing a three-year, $90M extension — and edge-rushers — both 4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 exterior linebackers — on the expense of the center line of protection.
Whereas they won’t command as massive of salaries as others, linebackers are as precious as ever.
Take the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, for instance. They struggled mightily at inside linebacker in 2023, they usually had one of many league’s worst defenses and misplaced six of their final seven video games (together with postseason).
Philadelphia upgraded the place final offseason after signing then-unknown Zach Baun, who went on to earn first-team All-Professional honors after manning the center of the league’s second-ranked scoring protection.
Warner’s extension is an inaccurate illustration of linebackers’ significance in right this moment’s NFL. Regardless of falling out of vogue, they’re simply as integral to profitable as when Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Mike Singletary or Ray Lewis roamed the gridiron.
Certain, $21M is some huge cash. However Warner is value a lot extra.
