Kyle Shanahan likely hopes a deal between the San Francisco 49ers and star pass rusher Nick Bosa gets done before Wednesday. That will give the head coach three full practices to evaluate the defensive end's readiness for the season. Bosa has been holding out since July 25, when the team reported to training camp.
With the Niners' season set to kick off on Sunday, time is running out for Bosa to prepare for the Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There haven't been many updates on the contract talks as both sides seek to keep the negotiation details private. Last week, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the two sides are likely trying to bridge a gap of about $4 million per year, the difference between being the highest-paid edge rusher and the highest-paid non-quarterback of all time.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided a minor update on where things stand between Bosa and the 49ers.
"There is no deal yet for Nick Bosa," Rapoport said Monday on NFL Network. "And I would say, similar to [Chiefs DT] Chris Jones, maybe without quite the amount of urgency, until there is a significant breakthrough, I do not expect Nick Bosa on the field for the San Francisco 49ers.
"And this really isn't a question of, is he going to be the NFL's highest-paid pass rusher? It sounds to me like they're already there, already past [Steelers edge] T.J. Watt. That's not really what this is about. T.J. Watt, of course, at $28 million on an average per year basis. This is about how close to [Rams DT] Aaron Donald's $31 million and change does he get, or does he get over that?
"It is a Monday, today. Tomorrow's Tuesday. And then Wednesday starts the game week. ... And if he is not there Wednesday, obviously, it would not bode well for him being able to participate in this week's game. If there is anyone whose resolve you should never doubt, it is someone with the last name of Bosa. We will see if the 49ers and Bosa, who all want this done, we'll see if they're able to make it happen."
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #49ers and star edge Nick Bosa need a significant breakthrough to get him back on the field. pic.twitter.com/aD1HCQc8me
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2023
Last week, Shanahan was asked if he has any deadline date in mind where it would be too late to play Bosa against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I don't," Shanahan responded. "I've never had to make that decision before, and I won't make that until I see him. I mean, I'm gonna do everything I can [to see] that he plays against Pittsburgh, but I can't make that decision until you see a guy, you see him out there.
"Hopefully, we get a chance to get him into practice next week, and if he is, that'll make it a much easier decision for us."
