Labor Day is the last weekend before the season starts. The holiday has seen its share of blockbuster deals come to fruition. Perhaps Bosa will be the latest. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero noted on Wednesday’s NFL Total Access that Bosa wants to be paid at the top of the market.
As it stands now, Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt’s $28 million annual average is tops among edges, with Nick’s older brother, Chargers defensive end Joey, just behind at $27 million. Interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald sits atop them all at $31.66 per year, and perhaps that’s where the younger Bosa is aiming to arrive.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Nick Bosa is coming off arguably his finest season. He was an All-Pro with a career-best and league-high 18.5 sacks that accompanied 48 QB hits, 19 tackles for loss and 51 tackles.
The only season Bosa wasn’t a Pro Bowler was in 2020. He played in just two games that year and the 49ers fell short of the playoffs. With one missed game last season included, Bosa’s 49ers are 5-10 without him in his career.
“You got to always be prepared to play without not just Nick [but] anybody,” Shanahan said. “But hopefully that doesn’t happen.”