After a suspenseful 43-day wait, the San Francisco 49ers and star defensive end Nick Bosa have finally put pen to paper on a historic contract extension.
The announcement sent shockwaves of excitement through the team’s locker room, with linebacker Fred Warner’s joyful screams echoing the sentiments of every 49ers fan across the nation.
Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league’s history. The contract also includes a staggering $122.5 million in guaranteed money.
BREAKING: 49ers, DE Nick Bosa agree to terms on 5-year, $170M contract extension. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/LT34AgbeOT
— NFL (@NFL) September 6, 2023
Coach Kyle Shanahan, visibly delighted by the news, confirmed Bosa’s imminent return to the team, putting an end to his holdout just in time for Sunday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Once we kind of went through the weekend, I just kind of got in my mind that we weren’t playing with him,” Shanahan said. “So we’re obviously real excited about it.”
Bosa’s annual payout of $34 million surpasses the previous record held by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald at $31.7 million. Additionally, the guaranteed money easily exceeds the $102 million set by Bosa’s brother, Joey, with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020.
Besides the financial details, the timing of the deal has raised hopes that Bosa could be back in action wearing his #97 jersey on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Shanahan expressed confidence in Bosa’s readiness, saying that Bosa would play “as many snaps” as the game would allow.
“There is (some) question because we haven’t seen him, but I think you guys know how I’m talking,” Shanahan said.
In regard to concerns about Bosa possibly being out-of-shape, Shanahan said he has absolutely no worries at all: “That’s not in Nick Bosa’s DNA,” he said.
Regarded as the best defensive player in the league, Bosa’s teammates are optimistic about his immediate impact. In 2022, he led the league with 18.5 sacks, 51 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 58 quarterback pressures, earning him his first All-Pro nod and third Pro Bowl selection.
#49ers Nick Bosa is officially in The Bay!!
📷: @49ers pic.twitter.com/rJ3K6zVjGv
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 7, 2023
Left tackle Trent Williams emphasized Bosa’s significance to the team, saying, “Having him back, we’re all elated. Couldn’t be happier.”
“You should have seen me screaming earlier,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “Being one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, the run and pass game, just the most complete player on the edge clears a lot of things up.”
The negotiations between the 49ers and Bosa had taken longer than expected, but both parties remained committed to reaching an agreement. Shanahan and general manager John Lynch were steadfast in their belief that trading Bosa was never an option.
Bosa himself had expressed confidence in his patience, stating in June: “I think I’ll get what I deserve.” As it turns out, he received a contract befitting the game’s premier defender.
His massive contract has officially reset the market for defensive stars. It will be interesting to see how the financial bar gets raised going forward.Â
The 49ers are arguably the best team in the NFL. With their defensive superstar back in the mix, it’s full-steam ahead in San Francisco.
What do you think of Bosa’s contract? Is it larger than you thought it was going to be?
Is he indeed the best defensive player in the league?
Assuming they stay healthy, should the 49ers be considered the Super Bowl favorites?