San Francisco 49ers stars Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel are next in line when it comes to expecting a hefty extension from the organization, as both have significantly exceeded expectations en route to potentially becoming highly at their respective positions.
However, while the star players are both from the same class and could garner extensions following their third NFL season, there are some contractual differences between the two situations for the 49ers.
Nick Bosa
Bosa has certainly experienced a journey during his short NFL career, having battled through two ACL tears—his first in high school, second in 2020—and then a severe core muscle injury occurring during his last season of college, while continuing to excel when on the field, as he earned 15.5 sacks last season despite facing numerous double, and even triple, teams from defenses.
However, as Bosa was a first-round selection, he has a $17 million fifth-year option which the 49ers have already picked up, meaning that the organization still has two years left on his rookie contract.
Additionally, similar to his brother Joey Bosa, who waited till after he completed his fourth year in the NFL, the 24-year-old defensive end could bet on himself for a year in hopes of gaining an even higher salary and contract guarantees, although it comes at the risk of injury.
Bosa's contract is expected to be one of the largest in NFL history for a defensive lineman, especially after Pittsburgh Steelers edge T.J. Watt earned a $28 million average annual value(AAV) on his extension prior to last year, and the 49ers may be better off doing a deal sooner than later.
Bosa's prior injury risks could propel the two sides to negotiate toward a contract extension this offseason, but his dominant play while healthy, including his 15.5-sack season last year coming off an ACL tear, could also incentivize the 2019 first-rounder to wait a season, given that the extension wouldn't kick in immediately.
Deebo Samuel
Samuel is in an entirely different situation contractually, as he was a second-round pick, meaning that his rookie deal does not include the coveted fifth-year option, allowing Samuel to hit free agency in 2023 following the conclusion of his current four-year deal.
Additionally, Samuel has made significantly less money in his career, as his rookie deal is worth $7.2 million over four years, whereas Nick Bosa's deal is worth $33.5 million over the four years, including a near-$22.5 million signing bonus, as well as the fully-guaranteed fifth-year option of $17.8 million.
With a lack of contract guarantees on his current deal, Samuel and the 49ers are certainly looking toward an extension this offseason, along with fellow fourth-year receivers Terry McLaurin and D.K. Metcalf with their respective teams.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the star receiver has not rescinded his trade request officially from the 49ers, which could leave a sour taste in fans' mouths, however; Fowler admitted that the last piece of relevant information was Samuel reporting to training camp, unlike his fellow fourth-year receivers seeking an extension, indicating that the relationship has turned for the better, if it hadn't been already.
Be it this offseason or next, Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel should remain 49ers for seasons to come with significant extensions, placing them amongst the highest-paid players at their respective positions.