The San Francisco 49ers made a significant financial commitment this offseason by investing over $404 million in three essential players: quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner. This extensive spending reflects the team’s focus on securing their core talent to ensure long-term competitiveness.
Even though the 49ers lost several important players through free agency, roster cuts, and the trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel, management chose to prioritize stability by extending contracts for their cornerstone athletes. This strategy underscores their confidence in Purdy, Kittle, and Warner as the foundation for the team’s future.
Details of the Landmark Contract Extensions
Brock Purdy agreed to a five-year, $265 million contract extension, placing him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Fred Warner secured a three-year, $63 million deal, making him the league’s top-paid linebacker. Meanwhile, George Kittle signed a four-year extension worth $76.4 million, earning the distinction of highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
General Manager John Lynch Explains the Team’s Commitment
On The Pat McAfee Show, 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed the massive contracts, calling the decision to re-sign this trio straightforward and necessary.
These guys were pretty easy decisions,
Lynch said.
Brock’s our quarterback, and that was an easy think-tank session going into the offseason. We went to work on doing a deal. Brock wanted the commitment from us, and we had to get it done.
Lynch also responded to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who claimed that Nick Bosa was the only remaining key defender on the 49ers. Lynch firmly disagreed with this characterization, highlighting Warner and Kittle’s continued importance to the team.
We were also able to get two of our franchise’s best players—and that’s saying something here with the Niners—with Kittle and Fred Warner,
Lynch explained.
Schefty said Bosa’s the only holdover on our defense—I think Fred Warner would have a little something to say about that,
he added, humorously interrupted by McAfee’s reaction.
Balancing Veteran Talent with Roster Renewal
While the front office parted ways with some veteran contributors, Lynch framed the challenging roster changes positively, emphasizing the importance of managing elite salaries and planning for the future. The 49ers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with 11 selections, signaling a clear intent to rejuvenate the roster around their core trio.
Under Purdy’s leadership, the 49ers have made the playoffs twice in his first three seasons, and he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023. Warner recorded his fourth All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods recently, while Kittle claimed his sixth Pro Bowl and fifth All-Pro selections last season. These achievements justify their lucrative contracts and demonstrate their value to the franchise.
As Lynch concluded,
These guys couldn’t be underpaid. They’re too important to what we do.