LB superstar with over 200 appearances Ready to Take Pay Cut to Join 49ers After Fred Warner’s Season-Ending Injury

The devastating loss of Fred Warner – the heart of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense – due to a broken and dislocated ankle, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season, has left “The Faithful” reeling. But a glimmer of hope emerged as Eric Kendricks, a superstar linebacker with over 200 games and a Pro Bowl appearance, expressed a fierce desire to don the Levi’s Stadium red and gold, even willing to take a pay cut to join.

The 19-30 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exposed the gaping void left by Warner’s absence. Mac Jones, subbing for Brock Purdy, threw for 347 yards but had two interceptions. The defense, missing Warner and Nick Bosa (ACL), couldn’t stop Baker Mayfield (256 yards, 2 TDs). With 14 players injured, including George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers (4-2) are faltering. Head coach Kyle Shanahan lamented: “We’ve lost half our roster, but our spirit remains unbreakable.”

Amid the crisis, Kendricks – former star of the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys – ignited “The Faithful” like a blazing fire. With 1,174 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and 11 interceptions over 147 games, he’s a “tackling machine” who earned First-Team All-Pro in 2019. On ESPN, Kendricks declared: “I’ve always longed to wear the 49ers’ jersey. Levi’s Stadium is where I’ve dreamed of playing. Now, if they need me, I’m ready to book a flight to San Francisco immediately, even if it means taking a pay cut. I’ll write the next chapter of my story with The Faithful.” His words thundered, sparking an explosion among 49ers fans on X: “Kendricks is our savior! Welcome to the Bay!”

Shanahan was moved: “A player like Kendricks willing to sacrifice for the team is rare.” With the upcoming Atlanta Falcons game, Kendricks could be the key to help Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune fill Warner’s void. His promise rekindles memories of the 49ers’ golden era, convincing “The Faithful” that Levi’s will once again quake with ferocious tackles.