The San Francisco 49ers had hoped to get Fred Warner back for the NFC Championship Game, believing their defensive leader could help power another Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, fans never got to see the All-Pro linebacker return to the field this past season.
Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in October, an injury that cut his 2025 campaign short after just six games. The mere possibility of a postseason return spoke volumes about his toughness and recovery process. The good news for the 49ers: Warner is expected to be fully healthy for offseason activities and training camp as he prepares for another dominant year.
Despite the abbreviated season, Warner's performance was once again nothing short of elite.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Warner finished as the highest-graded linebacker in the NFL in 2025. His 93.2 overall defensive grade marked a career high. He also posted career-best marks in run defense (91.3), coverage (91.5), and tackling (74.4), solidifying his status as the league's premier off-ball linebacker.
"Even amid an already acclaimed career, Warner continues to build upon his monolithic profile," wrote analyst Mason Cameron. "Before suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 6, the 49ers captain was playing well above even his own elite standard.
"His 93.2 PFF overall grade to start 2025 was the highest of his career through the first six games. Although the small sample plays a part, Warner was on pace to lead the NFL in both PFF run-defense grade (91.3) and PFF coverage grade (91.5), standing as the only player to eclipse the 90.0 threshold in each."
In six games, Warner recorded 51 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three passes defensed. Projected over a full season, he was on pace to surpass 140 tackles.
For a San Francisco unit that struggled with consistency in 2025, Warner's return to full strength could be the single biggest offseason boost.