SANTA CLARA — Nick Bosa’s holdout reached its seventh day on Monday, as John Lynch met the media at Levi’s Stadium.
Perhaps the Niners were planning on having Bosa inked up by now, but the reigning Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t available for the first padded practice of training camp.
Lynch told reporters he hasn’t spoken to Bosa yet and been communicating through agent Brian Ayrault. Bosa seems poised to become the NFL’s highest paid player on defense, expected to surpass Aaron Donald’s $31.7 million average annual value.
“It’s important we keep those things private,” Lynch said of the negotiations. “So I’m gonna honor that. … I don’t like this. I don’t like not having one of our best players here. We’ve got a really good track record that I’m proud of as a group of having our players in. But also understand that we’re going to have to exhibit some patience and understand that ultimately this will work out. I’m very confident in that.
“We’re just going to have to have the right mix of urgency and patience. Again, I remain confident that we’ll come to an agreement and get things taken care of. … We miss him and look forward to the day he’s coming back.”
Last season, Deebo Samuel stayed off the practice field until the first session of pads, until signing a three-year, $71.5 million extension.
Bosa is renowned for his high-level offseason workouts with his brother – Joey, of the Los Angeles Chargers – so Lynch said he’s not concerned with his premiere edge rusher being out of shape when he returns.
“He’s a specimen because he was blessed with some good genes,” Lynch said. “But he’s also a specimen because he works as hard as anyone I’ve seen in this game. His plan is meticulous; it’s adjusted each year. Having said that … I needed three weeks to get ready (during training camp as a player). I don’t know what that right time period (is), but we’ve talked about that internally.”
The 49ers preseason opener is on Aug. 13 at the Las Vegas Raiders, while Week 1 is on Sept. 10 in Pittsburgh. Bosa is eligible to be fined $40,000 each day he misses, but it sounds like the 49ers will waive those fees once an agreement is reached, as there are no hard feelings.
“We have the ability to forgive those fines,” Lynch said. “Some of it’s private but we have talked with their camp on that. I don’t think that’s really necessary. That’s not gonna get him in here. We’re both striving for the same thing.”
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