Fred Warner Retains Top Linebacker Status Despite Injury-Shortened Season

Despite playing only six games during the 2026 season due to injury, Fred Warner remains the consensus top off-ball linebacker in the NFL. He received 70% of first-place votes in recent league-wide rankings, with scouts and coaches continuing to view him as the anchor of the 49ers' defense. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Warner is working under the tutelage of new assistant coach K.J. Wright to maintain his elite performance level.