T
he San Francisco 49ers are back and ready to go. 2024 proved to be a disappointing season for a franchise that was looking to avenge a Super Bowl loss from the year before. Missing the playoffs after going 6-11– with numerous injuries playing a big role in the team’s struggles– the 49ers return to the field with a lot to prove in 2025. Investing heavily in their core, resigning guys like George Kittle, Brock Purdy and Fred Warner to big contract extensions, the 49ers are going all-in for that sixth ring.
Over the years, Warner has established himself as one of the NFL’s best linebackers and overall players, earning four Pro Bowl trips and four First-team All-Pro selections since entering the league in 2018. And once again, Warner is entering a season highly regarded, ranked as the 16th best player in the league according to the NFL’s ‘Top 100 Players of 2025’ list.
Warner’s Ranking
Considered the best linebacker in the NFL, with many players including future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, deeming him as the best at his position, Warner has become a cornerstone piece and a central leader for the 49ers. Known for his leadership, elite playmaking ability and overall fiery persona on game days, Warner embodies what a true superstar is and will look to add a Defensive Player of the Year Award to his name. The heart and soul of the 49ers defense, Warner recorded 131 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2024– all while playing through a fractured ankle that he sustained in the 49ers’ Week Four game against the New England Patriots.
But even though Warner’s rating is very favorable and cements his status as an NFL superstar, it is a far cry from what he was ranked going into last season. Heading into the 2024 season, Warner ranked at No. 11– falling five spots this year. Still, Warner will look to put together another strong season and bring the 49ers back to relevance.
49ers Outlook for 2025
Experiencing a massive roster exodus this offseason, the 49ers will boast a largely new squad that features a lot of young players this season. Needing to get cheaper after paying top dollar for their rosters during the team’s run of success from 2019-24, the 49ers retooled this offseason and enter 2025 with a lot of questions– questions that could lead to growing pains early in the season.
But the 49ers still have a lot of talent on their roster and with a majority of their core still intact, the team is confident that they can return to the postseason after a one year absence. Bringing back defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, the 49ers defense will come out firing while offensively, Purdy will want to re-emerge after a tough 2024 and bring the 49ers’ offense back to being one of the league’s best. Getting an easier strength of schedule after a last place finish in the NFC West last season, the 49ers have everything they need for a bounce back season in 2025.
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