Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are pressing about the franchise's process on quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension. There is not really doubt in the deal getting done, but certainly some trepidation with each passing day without pen to paper.
When it comes to matters involving a franchise quarterback, these fears are common. The position can be so difficult to get right, so it's always best to not worry at all.
But these talks take time and it appears both sides are currently navigating that process. However, San Francisco has not simply stood by to wait on one agenda item to be completed.
Last week, the Niners and tight end George Kittle agreed to a four-year $76.4 million extension to keep him in town for the future. Both sides see Kittle as a part of the franchise's fabric and irreplaceable in many ways.
According to The Athletic's Diana Russini, Kittle is not the only player that the Niners view in such a light. On a recent episode of her "Scoop City" podcast, Russini explained why the team would want to make linebacker Fred Warner the highest paid at his position.
"I have a hard time believing that they're not going to make Fred Warner the highest-paid linebacker in football," Russini said on her podcast.
"I don't know if that's the number that they're at already, I just have a hard time imagining a world where he's not the highest-paid linebacker. Talk about another example of someone who is part of the fabric of the San Francisco 49ers."
They would be right to do so. Warner is the keystone that holds this Niners' defense together and his accolades stack up among the best in the league, being that he is a four-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.
Warner is clearly within his prime, having played all 17 games the past three seasons and amassing over 75 solo tackles in each of those campaigns. He still has two years left on his deal and will command a higher price the more he keeps up this level of performance.
Purdy's deal must take precedence and likely already has for the Niners. But Warner will get his day soon and there should not be much of a rift from either side on getting that deal done.
