SANTA CLARA – If Nick Bosa eventually lands a contract worth nearly $33 million a year, that would be a fitting number, and not just because he’d be the NFL’s highest-paid defender.
The 49ers originally signed Bosa for that amount … over his first four seasons combined.
With talks ongoing for a record-setting extension, with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year still not reporting to the 49ers, and with the season opener approaching Sunday at Pittsburgh, here is how Bosa’s contract status has unfolded with the 49ers:
April 25, 2019: Bosa is in Nashville for the NFL Draft, where he is selected No. 2 overall behind quarterback Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals).
July 24, 2019: Bosa signs a four-year, $33.55 million contract that aligns with the NFL’s rookie wage scale.
April 25, 2022: The 49ers exercise their fifth-year option on Bosa’s rookie contract, for a $17.9 million salary in 2023. “We’re going to do everything we can to keep him a part of this organization. He’s a foundational player, much like Deebo (Samuel), a difference maker,” general manager John Lynch said. “… At the appropriate time, we’ll endeavor to make that a reality that he’s here for a long time, but it’s all good there.”
Aug. 1, 2022: Asked about his future contract extension, Bosa tells this news organization: “I have a lot of faith that when the time comes, it will be smooth. … I definitely got lucky. I could have been elsewhere. I’m just happy, because this organization is so great. They give you all the resources you need. They listen to my input.”
49ers’ Nick Bosa, DPOY favorite, wins Eshmont
He wants to stay a #49er and “not necessarily” seeking contract to become highest-paid defender
https://t.co/wS3zaQc31u pic.twitter.com/x8y4xc4gxF
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 31, 2023
Jan. 31, 2023: Bosa, at his locker two days after the NFC Championship Game loss in Philadephia, said his goal is “not necessarily” to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. “Oh yeah, I’d love to be here, for sure. This is a great organization. They treat me as good as you can. I have amazing relationships here.
“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. I’ll just enjoy my time off and get ready to roll next year.”
July 26: Bosa is placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, a day after his 49ers teammates opened training camp. He does not count toward their 90- nor 53-man rosters, nor does his $17.9 million fifth-year option count against the salary cap.
Aug. 19: The 49ers play at Levi’s Stadium for the first time since their playoff win over Dallas, and while their 90-man roster delivers a win in that preseason game against the Denver Broncos, word behind the scenes is that negotiations are finally heating up with Bosa’s agent, Brian Ayrault.
Aug. 22: “It’s going pretty much exactly how I expected it to go. No, it’s kind of just been exactly what I thought,” Shanahan said of Bosa’s prolonged contract talks. “Hopefully (they end) sooner than later.”
Aug. 30: Is there any chance the 49ers trade Bosa? “No. Real simple,” Lynch replies. Minutes earlier in a separate press conference, Shanahan answers that question similarly: “No. I haven’t talked to many people about that. But I know how I feel pretty strongly and I think everyone would agree with that.”
Wednesday: Still no sign of Bosa at the 49ers’ Santa Clara facility, marking Day 44 of his holdout.