49ers would have targeted Fred Warner in NFL draft regardless of Reuben Foster’s status

The news of Arik Armstead's departure from the San Francisco 49ers after nine seasons with the team shocked linebacker Fred Warner. Armstead, a former first-round pick, was an impactful force on the football field. However, his availability over the last two seasons forced the 49ers to reevaluate his contract, and when his salary could not be significantly reduced, the two sides parted ways. "Huge surprise," Warner said of learning that Armstead was being released. "Ever since I've been here, we called him the blueprint for how to be a Niner. That was the longest-tenured Niner that's been here and a guy that's done it right through and through." Warner has been in the NFL long enough to understand how the league works. Over the years, he's watched several

Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the speculation surrounding Deebo Samuel's future with the San Francisco 49ers seems to have quieted down. According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have assured Samuel that he will not be involved in any pre- or post-draft transactions, ensuring his place on the roster for the time being. "Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has been assured by his bosses that he will not be dealt during or after the draft," Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions. Earlier in the

Mock draft season has drawn to a close, with NFL Media analysts Charles Davis (here) and Daniel Jeremiah (here) submitting their final projections yesterday. Several other media members have since unveiled their last mock drafts, presenting the San Francisco 49ers with various potential scenarios. Predicting the 49ers' actions in the first round is challenging due to the 30 selections preceding theirs. Their draft strategy hinges on events leading up to their turn on the clock. As the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off tonight, here's a rundown of what the 49ers are projected to do at No. 31 overall in some of

With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, ESPN contributors have highlighted some prospects who have seen their draft stock rise throughout the evaluation process. Jordan Reid and Matt Miller pinpointed players who could hear their names called at the end of the first round. Interestingly, both of the prospects identified by Reid and Miller play in the trenches but on different sides of the ball. The San Francisco 49ers are widely expected to draft an offensive lineman with their first selection—No. 31 overall. The team mostly ignored the group in free agency. However, it wouldn't surprise many people if the