Buccaneers and Bears to Pursue $19,200,000 Star LB Ahead of 2025 NFL Free Agency: Report
As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, two teams with a significant need for defensive upgrades—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears—are reportedly eyeing one of the most coveted linebackers on the market. According to recent reports, both teams are set to pursue Fred Warner, the San Francisco 49ers star linebacker, who is expected to hit the open market with a potential contract worth around $19,200,000 annually.
Warner, a three-time All-Pro and the leader of the 49ers’ defense, has been one of the most dominant and consistent linebackers in the NFL. His ability to read the game, cover the field, and make plays both in pass coverage and against the run has made him a standout in San Francisco. As the 49ers’ defense is built around him, Warner’s ability to impact the game in all three phases—pass defense, run defense, and blitzing—makes him an ideal fit for any team looking to bolster its linebacker corps.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase, adding a star like Warner would give them an immediate defensive leader and a cornerstone player for the future. The Buccaneers’ defense has experienced some struggles in recent years, particularly in coverage against tight ends and running backs, areas where Warner excels. His ability to cover in space and make tackles in the open field would complement a young, developing defense and provide a steadying presence for the Bucs as they transition into a new era post-Tom Brady.
Similarly, the Chicago Bears, who have been investing heavily in their defense under head coach Matt Eberflus, have a glaring need for a true star linebacker. While the Bears have some promising young pieces, they lack a top-tier veteran presence to lead their defense. Fred Warner would instantly upgrade their linebacker corps, and his experience in a top-tier defensive system under coach Kyle Shanahan could be valuable as the Bears continue to grow. His leadership and playmaking ability would go a long way in elevating a defense that has shown flashes but has yet to reach elite status.
The $19,200,000 price tag may seem steep, but for both the Buccaneers and the Bears, Warner’s talent, leadership, and consistency could be the missing piece they need to elevate their defenses and make a playoff push in 2025 and beyond. Both teams will be watching closely as Warner’s free agency approaches, with the possibility of a bidding war heating up as the offseason unfolds.
