"I was really just walking in here, and Fred came yelling," defensive tackle Javon Hargrave shared with reporters.
Why was Warner so happy? He had just learned from defensive coordinator Steve Wilks that the Niners had finally signed superstar pass rusher Nick Bosa to a contract extension. Bosa, who had been holding out for a new deal since the start of training camp on July 25, was on his way back to rejoin his teammates.
"I'm sure everybody knows how he makes everybody's life easier," Warner told reporters before yesterday's practice. "Not just me. Being one of the most dominant defensive players in the league in the run and pass game, just the most complete player on the edge, clears a lot of things up for me."
Tackle Trent Williams admits he didn't miss going against Bosa in practice. What he did miss was talking things through with his friend.
"I do miss being able to pick each other's brain and just having him here, him being in my corner, me being in his corner," Williams said. "I definitely miss him. ... He's one of those guys that you really need in the locker room."
It was just Monday that players were downplaying Bosa's absence. They were preparing to play their Week 1 opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, without the league's best pass rusher. That was the mindset, and players insisted that their next-man-up mentally would overcome the challenge.
Was that really the mindset?
"I guess it doesn't matter now that he's here, so we ain't even got to talk about it," Warner said with a big smile on his face after laughing at the question.
Bosa was a big part of why the 49ers defense was the top-ranked unit last season. His league-leading 18.5 sacks helped earn the defensive end the coveted NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Now, his teammates are relieved to have him return to the fold.
"It's just a good morale boost to have one of our best players back on the team," Warner shared. "Players and leaders. I'm just ecstatic to have him back."
No one in the 49ers locker room holds anything against Bosa for staying away from the team for so long. Players like Warner and Williams remember what the business side of the NFL is like, having recently gone through their own contract negotiations with the 49ers.
"The team can't wait to welcome him with open arms," Williams said. "The arms might have to be a little wider because he got bigger pockets now, but we definitely going to welcome him back with open arms."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers beat writer makes bold first-round pick in mock draft
The staff at The Athletic recently conducted a joint mock draft, with one reporter selecting for each team. By the time the San Francisco 49ers were on the hypothetical clock at No. 11, three defensive linemen and two offensive linemen—the two positions widely considered... -
49ers' dream pass rush? Browns stand firm on Myles Garrett; Chargers address Joey Bosa
Myles Garrett wants a change of scenery in 2025. The star defensive end has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns, where he has spent his entire eight-year NFL career. However, the Browns remain firm in their stance, making it clear on Tuesday that they have no intention... -
Mock draft roundup: Will the 49ers address offense or defense first?
After a disappointing 6-11 finish to the 2024 season, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs. While injuries played a significant role in their struggles, the season also exposed depth issues, and an impending wave of free-agent departures... -
PFN predicts 49ers will sign Chiefs LB Nick Bolton
With free agency just weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a linebacker to replace Dre Greenlaw. The fan-favorite defender appeared in only two games last season after returning from an Achilles injury, only to suffer a setback that sidelined him for...