Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa is set to hold out for the start of 49ers training camp.
Bosa is about to enter the fifth year of his rookie contract but is still negotiating an extension to carry him beyond the 2023 season. 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday they would be surprised if Bosa practiced before both sides can come to an agreement.
“I would expect he’s not here to start off,” Lynch said. “We’re working. We’re having good communication with (Bosa’s agent) Brian Ayrault. He’s got good competent people we have an immense amount of respect for, working for him. We’re working diligently to try and come to an agreement.”
Lynch added that he spoke with Ayrault Tuesday morning, but wants to keep the ongoing negotiations private.
The magic number seems to be $32 million a year, as that’s how much it would take Bosa to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player, a title currently held by Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald ($31.7 million).
The 49ers have inked players like Jimmy Garoppolo, Fred Warner, Arik Armstead and George Kittle to massive five-year extensions in the past – and that’s the expectation for Bosa this time around. The 25-year-old led the NFL with 18.5 sacks last year while also serving as a consistent anchor in the run game.
“I think the challenge is you’re talking about a really special player,” Lynch said. “You’re talking about one of the better players in the league. You can argue that can simplify things, but you’re just trying to find that sweet spot and where the right spot is. We’re committed to continue to working towards that.”
Deebo Samuel and the Niners went through a similar process last season, as the wide receiver reported for camp but didn’t practice with the squad until inking a 3-year extension worth up to $71.5 million.
Shanahan isn’t planning on having Bosa practice until he signs the dotted line.
“That would surprise me,” Shanahan said.
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