After a prolonged holdout, Nick Bosa, the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has finally reached an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers. The star defensive end has secured a five-year, $170 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, reports NFL.com.
The new deal includes a staggering $122.5 million in guarantees, and to sweeten the deal further, the 49ers have decided to waive all fines incurred by Bosa during his holdout.
Bosa’s average annual salary of $34 million surpasses Aaron Donald’s previous record of $31.7 million with the Los Angeles Rams, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defensive talents.
Bosa’s holdout, which saw him skip training camp and the preseason, was centered around his desire for a lucrative extension following his exceptional performance in the 2022 season. While negotiations were ongoing, Bosa diligently trained on his own to ensure his readiness for the upcoming season.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who had hoped for a swifter resolution to the contract negotiations, expressed uncertainty regarding Bosa’s immediate playing time. Shanahan stated that the decision would be based on Bosa’s performance in the next few practices leading up to Sunday’s season opener.
However, Shanahan left no room for doubt about Bosa’s Week 1 participation, humorously suggesting that Bosa would need to “have a beer belly and be out of shape” to miss the opener.
Bosa’s contract extension comes on the heels of two incredibly productive seasons, during which he accumulated 34 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles. In 2022, he earned his first All-Pro selection and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his ascent to elite status.
While the 49ers have a history of being selective with their contract extensions, Bosa was never in doubt as a cornerstone player for the team. His deal’s completion answers the lingering question of when the talented defensive end would secure his future with the franchise.
Now, with the ink dry on his record-breaking contract, Nick Bosa must rapidly prepare to return to the field and contribute to the 49ers’ ongoing pursuit of success in the NFL.
