SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Fred Warner was ‘jumping up & down’ when Javon Hargrave signed with the 49ers

Apr 25, 2023, 6:00 AM | Updated: 8:24 am

Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after beating the New England Patriots at Gil...

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 25: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after beating the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

When the San Francisco 49ers signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave last month, the football landscape was in shock. The players included were surprised to see a playoff contender pay for an expensive, high-quality run-stopper.

Linebacker Fred Warner was one of those players, completely unaware that the front office would be making the splash signing. But shock turned into excitement, and Warner, much like the rest of the team, is thrilled to have Hargrave in the fold.

“Was probably at home, jumping up and down on my bed,” Fred Warner said with a smirk to the media Monday. “I had no idea, they kind of kept it pretty under wraps and when it came out that’s [a huge get]. I think he was probably the top free agent on the market, regardless of position. So he’s going to make a huge impact for our defense.”

Warner is also excited to begin the offseason program with new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

Wilks was hired to replace DeMeco Ryans in a seamless way, especially after San Francisco boasted the top defense in the nation last season. While it’s only the start of the offseason, all signs point to that happening, at least according to the team’s defensive captain.

“He fits right in, it’s been a seamless transition,” Warner stated.  “He’s come in and he’s taken a hold of everything, and we all respect the heck out of him already. The type of guy that he is, he genuinely cares about his players. It’s important to build relationships with us. And you know, we’re starting at ground zero again, everything we’ve done in the past is behind us. It’s a new year. A new opportunity. And I think that’s what’s exciting.”

What makes Fred even more excited though, is the potential to get even better each day. And given Wilks’ defensive pedigree, that could be in the cards for the 49ers and Warner.

“You know, that’s his job, making us the best defense and continuing to raise the bar. And I know he has high expectations for us. Just a super humble guy, ready to get to work, and we’re all feeding off of that same exact energy,” Warner stated.

Stay locked in at Sactown Sports for all things NFL & 49ers

Newsletter

San Francisco 49ers

Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warmups before the game against the Se...

Amiliano Fragoso

Arik Armstead reveals 49ers asked him to take $12 million pay cut

Arik Armstead broke the silence on his 49ers departure Thursday, stating that he felt disrespected by their contract offer this offseason.

53 minutes ago

Defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Los Angeles Rams du...

Amiliano Fragoso

Post-June 1st Designation: How does it work in the NFL?

The Post-June 1st Designation has been a widely used method of salary cap maneuvering by NFL teams this offseason. Here's how it works.

5 hours ago

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

1 day ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

1 day ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

1 day ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

Fred Warner was ‘jumping up & down’ when Javon Hargrave signed with the 49ers