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Farewell, Hot Boyzz. Welcome, Block Boyzz.
At least, that's what
Fred Warner recently informed 49ers.com reporter Keiana Martin. The San Francisco 49ers linebackers are transitioning from their 2019 moniker to a new one for a new season.
The third-year defender was asked what fans can expect from himself, Kwon Alexander,
Dre Greenlaw, and the rest of the talented 49ers linebackers during the upcoming season.
"You can expect a little juice, a little energy, a little swag, like you said,"
Warner told Martin. "This year, we're coming with a new name to the group — the Block Boyzz. You know, keeping the block hot, and we're excited about it.
"I think the defense as a whole, we're excited about getting after it this season and being even better than we were a year ago."
Warner knows nothing will be handed to them this season. Once again, everything will need to be earned. And that will be even more challenging this year because everyone will be gunning for them. Each opponent will bring their best to try to knock off the defending NFC champions.
Warner and the 49ers welcome the challenge.
"I think we know last year's in the past," said Warner. "We use last year as an experience, of course, and I think we're all hungry to prove ourselves once again. Every year in this league, you have to prove yourself. That goes for everybody, especially myself.
"This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, and I just know I've got to keep my head down and keep working, just like the rest of the guys are. We're all hungry to get after it, and we're not resting on our laurels one bit.
"I feel like we've got a lot to prove this season. We're going to get everybody's best shot, and I think we're going to be ready for it, for sure."
As for the "Block Boyzz," Warner directed all questions about the new name toward his teammate and close friend, Alexander, who tends to lead the charge when it comes to creating an identity for the talented group of budding NFL stars.
"Honestly, I think you'd probably have to ask Kwon to give you the meaning behind it and the depth behind it," added Warner. "But we're all about keeping the block hot. So the Block Boyzz, that's kind of what we came up with, and we're sticking to it, and we're excited about it, so keep the energy going."
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
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
