After losing linebacker Dre Greenlaw to free agency before the 2025 NFL season, the 49ers linebacking corps took a tough hit even before injuries took a toll.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco on Thursday at Super Bowl Radio Row and provided his evaluation of the 49ers’ linebackers this season.
“First off, let me say, shoutout to coach Johnny Holland and K.J. Wright. Everything they did this year, coaching those guys and having them ready each and every week,” Willis said. “Fred [Warner] is still All-Pro Fred. Had they won the [NFC Divisional] game, I feel like he was going to be ready to come back a week later.
“They still got a middle linebacker who’s right at his prime; still playing good football.”
Fred Warner was off to a solid start to the 2025 season before suffering a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6. His injury obviously was a big blow to the defense, but it allowed other linebackers to get more opportunities on the field.
Second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune slid into Warner’s place. He recorded at least 10 total tackles in five straight games before he was sidelined by an injury himself.
“For him to step in and get the football reps that he got, I think that was huge,” Willis said. “I think that was huge for his development.”
Sliding into Greenlaw’s old spot beside Warner at the start of the season was third-year linebacker Dee Winters. He started all 17 regular-season games, leading the 49ers with 67 solo tackles.
“And then you have Dee Winters. He had a solid year,” Willis noted. “But I think there’s still much room for improvement on his behalf.”
Rookie linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round pick in last year’s draft, saw limited playing time, playing just 15 defensive snaps in seven games all season before being placed on injured reserve in December.
Then-defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said his lack of playing time was not due to dissatisfaction with his play but rather an attempt to ramp up the young linebacker to speed in the NFL.
Willis says more repetition will help Martin grow.
“We always say that you’re still a rookie until after your second game and whatnot. So, for him, he’s still battling being a rookie,” Willis explained. “Reps, repetition is what gets you better. So, I still think he’s going to grow as well. He has an offseason to really lock in.
“Especially after not playing in the second half of the season, I feel like that’s going to be motivation to come in and go.”
Overall, Willis believes the 49ers linebackers are in a good position with the leadership of Warner and the coaching staff.
“Those guys look up to [Warner] and respect him. And so, I think as long as they have him and they have guys with the will and want-to, I think you can work with that,” Willis said. “Will they need to add more pieces? Maybe, maybe not…
“…I’ll let John [Lynch] and them have those hard conversations.”
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