Defensive end Nick Bosa is signed through the 2023 season. However, the San Francisco 49ers would like to start working on a contract extension for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner. We remember what happened when the team waited on Deebo Samuel's deal last offseason. The wide receiver market exploded, and the cost of locking up Samuel went up.
On Tuesday, Bosa admitted that becoming the NFL's highest-paid defender isn't a priority. Of course, the negotiations are up to his agent and the 49ers. The talented pass rusher wants to remain with the 49ers, the team that made him the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2019.
"I'd love to be here, for sure," Bosa said. "This is a great organization. They treat you as good as [anyone] can. I have amazing relationships here, so hopefully [I stay], yeah."
As for the contract negotiations, that's not something with which he is overly concerned.
"I'm definitely going to have patience and probably not worry about it for some time," Bosa added. "I have an amazing agent who will handle all that, and I'll just enjoy my time off and get ready to roll next year."
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Wednesday, sharing their final thoughts on the 2022 season and what lies ahead. Lynch was asked about Bosa.
"I think, first of all, with Nick, in my heart of hearts, he deserves to be the Defensive Player of the Year in our league, and I hope that comes his way because he's earned that," Lynch said. "He's a fantastic football player. He's a game-changer of a football player."
Lynch joking added, "I should stop now," knowing that he might only be driving up the cost to sign Bosa to a long-term deal.
The 49ers believe a deal will get done. Aside from trading away DeForest Buckner in 2020, the team has been able to hold onto many of its big-name players.
"I think we have a real good track record," Lynch continued. "You look [at] the last five years, working backward with Deebo, and before that, it was [TE George] Kittle—or [LB] Fred [Warner] and Kittle—and [T] Trent [Williams] and [QB] Jimmy [Garoppolo], of getting our players done. But it takes time, it takes patience, it takes persistence, and we'll have that on our side.
"[Bosa]'s represented by very good and capable people. And you heard Nick yesterday. He never seems to get too excited. He's pretty chill about the whole thing. And I think with that in mind and each of us wanting the same thing, we'll be able to come to an agreement."
Another player in the payday pipeline is wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Although, that will likely come next offseason as the 24-year-old player is entering his fourth NFL season, and the 49ers can use the fifth-year option on him, as they did with Bosa, ensuring he remains through at least the 2024 season.
"With Brandon, Brandon had a fantastic year," Lynch said. "I really applaud Brandon. Kyle calls him a warrior often. We appreciate the way he plays, the way he's improved his play since he's been here, and we'll figure that out in due time."