Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, who covers the New York Giants, floated the idea on social media while discussing potential roster upgrades for New York. Stapleton noted that he had heard the 49ers might at least listen to trade discussions involving Warner.
"I don't know if San Francisco will trade Warner," Stapleton wrote (h/t to @TheSFNiners for the find). "Heard they might consider it if somehow they could get Dre Greenlaw back in the fold."
Dre Greenlaw departed the 49ers last offseason to join the Denver Broncos. There has been speculation about his long-term future in Denver, and San Francisco made a late push to retain the linebacker before he ultimately committed to the Broncos in 2025.
Meanwhile, Warner remains one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL and is widely regarded as the league's top off-ball linebacker.
His 2025 season ended prematurely after he suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle on October 12, 2025, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Warner was expected to return if the 49ers advanced to the NFC Championship Game, but the team's postseason run ended a week earlier with a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
It seems unlikely the 49ers would actually trade a fan favorite like Warner, who remains a foundational player on the defense. Still, Stapleton suggests it's a possibility.
Before the injury, Warner recorded 51 tackles, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in six games. At that pace, he was on track to surpass 140 tackles for the season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers star Fred Warner turns on the frenzy at the Mexico vs. Ecuador game
Mexico marched into the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32. The game took place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julian Quinones led the way for Mexico with a goal and an assist in the first half, while... -
49ers Trade Rumors: Potential Cost to Acquire Eagles DT Jalen Carter
The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with plenty of buzz around star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. In recent weeks, several analysts have named the San Francisco 49ers as a potential landing spot for Carter if the Eagles decide to move him. Now, there is speculation... -
49ers rumors, fantasy, and clickbait: sorting reality from offseason noise
In the offseason, there is not as much to write about unless something unexpected occurs, such as the monster trade when the Cleveland Browns sent superstar defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Much of what we read falls into the categories of speculation,... -
How Maxx Crosby responded to young 49ers fan asking him to join San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers could certainly use another proven pass rusher after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. That has fueled plenty of speculation about the future of Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. Although there is no indication that the...