Fred Warner didn’t get to spend much time on the field in 2025. A dislocated and broken ankle limited the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro linebacker to just six games, and while he made a valiant push to return during the playoffs, the Niners’ early exit closed that door before he could walk through it.
But even from the sidelines, Warner had his eyes on the action-and one young defender in particular caught his attention.
Enter Upton Stout.
The rookie cornerback didn’t come into the league with a ton of fanfare. A third-round pick out of Western Kentucky, Stout was expected to contribute, sure-but few could’ve predicted just how vital he’d become to a 49ers defense that was decimated by injuries.
Warner, for one, took notice.
“Absolutely, I think my favorite player in the league right now is Upton Stout, our starting nickel corner,” Warner said during an appearance on Stacking the Box at Radio Row. “He’s about 5-foot-9, 5-foot-10, about [170 pounds], and he’s just a pure dog. He’s just out there running through people, playing with his hair on fire and is exactly what you want in a 49er, so I’m really happy that he’s on my team.”
That’s high praise from one of the league’s most respected defensive leaders-and it’s not hard to see why.
**Stout wasn’t just a plug-and-play rookie. He was a spark.
** In a season where the 49ers were without key defensive anchors like Warner himself, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, first-round pick Mykel Williams, and rising safety Malik Mustapha for stretches, Stout became a constant. He brought energy, edge, and a fearless mentality to a secondary that needed all three.
Across 16 games, Stout racked up 82 tackles, five pass breakups, two quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble. Those numbers don’t just speak to his versatility-they scream it. He wasn’t just locking down receivers in the slot; he was blitzing off the edge, flying downhill in run support, and playing with the kind of controlled chaos that coaches dream of.
And when it came to applying pressure, Stout didn’t just hold his own-he led the charge. He tied Seattle’s All-Pro corner Devon Witherspoon for the most total pressures (10) among cornerbacks in the league.
That’s not a stat you expect to see from a 5-foot-9, 170-pound nickelback in his first year. But Stout isn’t built like most rookies-mentally or physically.
His game is all heart, all hustle, and all instincts. He plays bigger than his frame and faster than the stopwatch, and he’s got a nose for the ball that can’t be taught. That’s what stood out to Warner-and it’s why he’s so bullish on Stout’s future.
Now, let’s be clear: development in the NFL is rarely a straight line. There will be bumps, adjustments, and moments that test Stout’s growth.
But based on what we saw in 2025, and the way Warner talks about him, there’s every reason to believe Stout isn’t just a one-year wonder. He’s a foundational piece in a defense that, when healthy, still has championship-level potential.
The 49ers didn’t make it to Super Bowl LX, but they’re still hosting it. And while Warner would’ve preferred to be suiting up for it, he’s using the platform to shine a light on a teammate who made the most of his opportunity.
Upton Stout might’ve entered the league under the radar, but after a breakout rookie campaign-and a ringing endorsement from one of the NFL’s elite defenders-it’s safe to say he won’t be flying under it much longer.