As pads come on for the first time in training camp, there is still a conspicuous absence at the 49ers’ training facility in Santa Clara: Nick Bosa.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is holding out as his representatives and the 49ers seek to work out a deal.
It is widely expected that Bosa will seek a deal with an average annual value around $30 million a year. That is more than T.J. Watt’s defensive-end leading figure at about $28 million per year, and a little less than Aaron Donald’s $31.67 million per year number. Those numbers are inexact, given that the most important figures are guarantees, but that’s likely where Bosa’s range is.
General manager John Lynch said Monday that there is no concrete update on the situation, but stressed the need for patience on San Francisco’s side. He reaffirmed that he and Bosa’s rep, Brian Ayrault, will not be explicitly discussing the deal in public.
Despite the limited information, Lynch intimated that discussions are not moving as fast as hoped. But a deal will, he believes, get done.
“We have to strike the right mix of urgency,” Lynch said. “I don’t like this. I don’t like not having one of our best players here. We’ve got a really good track record and I’m proud of having our players in. But I also understand it and understand that we’re gonna have to exhibit some patience and understand that ultimately this thing will work out. I’m very confident in that. We’re just gonna have to have that right mix of urgency and patience and I remain confident that we’ll come to an agreement to get things taken care of.”
One point of possible contention is that Bosa’s holdout subjects him to fines. On his fifth-year option, Bosa is subject to a $40,000 fine per day, plus a week’s for each preseason game he’s absent for. That would amount to $949,389 for Bosa.
Lynch indicated the 49ers will forgive those fines.
“We have the ability to because of where he’s at on his rookie contract in his option year, we have the ability to forgive those fines,” Lynch said. “Some of that’s private, but we have talked with their camp on that. I don’t think that’s really necessary. That’s not going to get him in here. We’re both striving for the same thing.”
So, nothing is imminent, and San Francisco doesn’t appear to be playing hardball by trying to force Bosa into the building with threats of fines.
But this thing might linger for a little while longer.
