49ers LB Fred Warner Reveals his Offseason Goals

Star linebacker Fred Warner reveals his offseason goals with the 2024 regular season ending in a couple of days for the 49ers,
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) walks on the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) walks on the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images / Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
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The 2024 regular season is about to come to an end for the San Francisco 49ers.

It is the end that most likely everyone on the team is looking forward to so they can put this season from the abyss behind them. The offseason will officially commence for the 49ers in a couple of days. That will be their chance to improve the team.

Star linebacker Fred Warner also views that as a chance to improve himself. On his podcast The Warner House co-hosted with his wife, Warner previewed the offseason where he revealed his offseason goals.

"This offseason I want to work on my pass rush," said Warner. "I feel like that's what people care about these days when it comes to being the best defensive player in the league is getting sacks, getting to the quarterback. I want to be a more effective pass rusher going into year eight.

That is an excellent goal for Warner. There isn't anywhere in his typical linebacker duties that he needs to improve on. He's already a tremendous coverage player and run defender. Not to mention he's a phenomenal leader and captain of the defense.

However, his pass rushing abilities could use some improvement. Warner as a blitzing player isn't anything special. He isn't challenging any offensive lineman and sometimes running backs in pass protection. He would benefit by adding a pass rush move or two and polishing his current ones.

Blitzing Warner is usually not a good idea. He is one of the best coverage defenders the 49ers have, so it makes zero sense to blitz him. It's the equivalent of dropping Nick Bosa into coverage. It's a waste of a play for the 49ers and one that does the opposing offense a huge favor.

If Warner can become an effective pass rusher, he will only increase how much of a threatening player he is. It can benefit the defense nicely should he accomplish that improvement.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ III

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.