Ex Buckeyes DE Nick Bosa Signs Massive Extension With 49ers

Former Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa planned on holding out entering the new season. Now, the San Francisco 49ers have made the highest-paid defensive player in league history.

The Niners and Bosa agreed to terms on a five-year, $170 million extension, $122.5 million of which is guaranteed, Wednesday prior to Sunday’s season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Network first reported the extension, which was later confirmed by multiple outlets.

The current reigning Defensive Player of the Year was looking for a new deal entering the final year of his rookie contract after posting career numbers in Year 4. Bosa, 25, was looking for a contract similar to Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, whose annual salary hovers just over $31.6 million.

On the new contract, Bosa will earn an annual salary of $34 million, roughly $6 million more than Steelers star T.J. Watt, and $7 million more than brother and Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa. The Niners and Bosa’s camp had been working on a long-term extension throughout training camp while Bosa remained away from the facility.

Trade rumors circulated earlier this offseason after it was reported that the two sides were “miles apart” in negotiating a long-term deal. Last week, Niners coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch ceased conversations on Bosa’s potential trade status and remained fixated on the idea that the two parties would agree on a lucrative contract extension before Week 1.

“I thought it would come probably at this time, just looking at the history of those things,” Shanahan said. “And I’m really hoping it gets done. I know they’re working tirelessly at it … but hopefully we can get him in here sooner than later.”

Bosa shined in then-coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ defense in 2022 on his way to claiming DPOY honors. In 16 games, he recorded 18.5 sacks, 51 combined tackles and two forced fumbles. Bosa was also named a first-team All-Pro and helped the Niners finish the top-ranked defense while leading them to a second consecutive NFC Championship appearance.

Paying players before the final year of their deals expires is quite common for the Niners based on their track record. Tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, and receiver Deebo Samuel were all given new contracts either before or right after training camp opened in each of the past three years. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead signed a new deal in the offseason following his fifth year in March of 2020.

Following a similar approach to Watt, Bosa did not report to camp last month to show his seriousness of not playing without a contract. In 2021, Watt held out before inking a new five-year extension worth $112 million, $80 million of which was fully guaranteed.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the team was preparing as if Bosa would be suiting up opposite them in the trenches, citing that Watt’s contract holdout prepared them for a potential last-second change of heart once a deal could be finalized. In Week 1’s win over the Bills, Watt exploded after missing camp, totaling two sacks and five pressures against Josh Allen.

“We got a deal done at the 11th hour,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference. “He showed up in the stadium, and he was T.J. Watt that day. That’s what those guys do. They show up and they are who they are, and so we expect him to be there as a prudent approach to take. And if he’s going to be there, we know the type of player that he intends on being, and so that’s something to be dealt with.”

In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Bosa recorded 77 total tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. He was named a first-team All-Big Ten member and All-American in 2017 and later was drafted. No. 2 overall in 2019, following Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray.