San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that he was unconcerned about star defensive lineman Nick Bosa’s physical condition. Bosa has missed training camp and the early preseason as he continues negotiations for a contract extension.
“No, not at all,” Shanahan said after being asked if he was concerned about the holdout. “Because I don’t know if Bosa has ever done a training camp, and he has done pretty good. It’s a little different when you’re a defensive lineman. Everybody wants people here, and you want to do that stuff, but it doesn’t affect the team as much from a defensive end standpoint. I have as much confidence in Nick as any player I’ve ever been around in terms of how he prepares and everything. I know they’re going to get it right, both sides, and I’m excited for when I do see him.”
Shanahan’s confidence in Bosa is based on his status as one of the NFL’s elite defenders. Since his debut in 2019, the 49ers star has racked up 43 sacks and 153 combined tackles despite missing nearly the entire 2020 season with an injury. He has appeared in the Pro Bowl in all three of his full seasons. But this success is also the reason for his prolonger contract negotiation.
Under his current four-year, $33 million deal with a fifth-year option, Bosa is currently the 38th highest paid defensive lineman in the league. He has proven to be far more valuable than his original deal and is expected to agree to a lucrative extension before the season begins.
With Shanahan at the helm last season, the 49ers were one of the most efficient teams in football. The offense featured stars Deebo Samuel and George Kittle and only grew stronger when running back Christian McCaffrey joined ahead of the trade deadline. Even after losing two starting quarterbacks throughout the season, the team made it all the way to the NFC Championship, when third-string quarterback Brock Purdy also succumbed to injury. The team was similarly potent on the other side, with Bosa leading a fierce defense which allowed the fourth least points per game in the league.
