San Francisco 49ers Intend to Extend Star Edge Rusher This Offseason

The San Francisco 49ers have apparently seen enough from their young superstar pass rusher. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 49ers intend to sign edge rusher Nick Bosa to a massive extension this offseason.

From @NFLGameDay: The #Cowboys want to keep RB Tony Pollard and the franchise tag is considered an option; As for the #49ers, a massive Nick Bosa extension is a priority for this offseason. pic.twitter.com/gm2fNqmE8L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2023

Just how massive remains to be seen. Currently, Los Angeles Rams interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald comfortably holds the title of highest-paid defender in the league at an average of $31.67 million per year. Donald was a seven-time All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year coming off a Super Bowl victory when he inked his extension in 2022.

Bosa doesn't quite have Donald's resume (no one does), but he has a few things working in his favor. At only 25 years old, Bosa is a much younger player than Donald at a slightly more premium position coming off an All-Pro season. He's also a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year due to his league-leading 18.5 sacks, his second season with 15+ sacks in as many years.

As the second overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Bosa is set to play under his fifth-year option in the 2023 season. Odds are the 49ers will make him the highest-paid edge rusher in the league by exceeding T.J. Watt's record four-year, $112.011 million deal signed in 2021. It's even within the realm of possibility Bosa will pass Donald as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.