The San Francisco 49ers have a roster that seems primed to win the Super Bowl, but they do have a question mark at quarterback.
While incumbent starter Brock Purdy is recovering well from a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, it isn’t an absolute certainty he will be ready for Week 1, and if he isn’t, it would open the window for Trey Lance to prove he has grown.
Now, San Francisco has another question mark involving one of their best and most valuable players.
Star defensive end Nick Bosa is looking for a big contract extension, and the team announced that he will not take part in practices during training camp until a deal is agreed to, per Tom Pelissero.
The #49ers placed star edge Nick Bosa on the reserve/did not report list. The team doesn’t expect him to practice without a new contract.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2023
2023 is the final year of Bosa’s current contract, and keeping him in the fold has been a big priority for the 49ers.
He is quite possibly the best edge rusher in the game today, and he was named last season’s Defensive Player of the Year for posting 18.5 sacks, 48 quarterback hits, and 19 tackles for loss.
The Niners were the best defensive team in the NFL last season, and Bosa was the biggest reason why.
Assuming he gets a new contract soon and joins his teammates for at least some of training camp and the preseason, that defense will take lots of pressure off Purdy or Lance, both of whom are young and developing.
If San Francisco wins their sixth Super Bowl this winter, Bosa will be a huge reason why, and at age 25, most of his best football is likely still ahead of him.
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