49ers roster: Predicting extensions for Fred Warner, Nick Bosa

49ers EDGE Nick Bosa

In some ways, it’s a good thing the 49ers have a full year before they have to start thinking about an extension for Nick Bosa, and he’s not eligible for one until 2022 anyway.

For starters, Bosa has to prove he’s fully recovered from his devastating 2020 ACL tear, and it might take all of 2021 for him to get his proverbial “football legs” back underneath him, which could equate to a slightly less open-market cost.

San Francisco 49ers

That said, Bosa’s pedigree, which includes being the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2019 and that year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, won’t make things easier.

Unlike Fred Warner, though, the Niners have a fifth-year option in play for Bosa, given he’s a former first-round pick, and they could potentially execute the fully guaranteed option for 2023 and push off any extension worries they may have. It might not necessarily be to Bosa’s liking initially, but his first concern should be establishing a clean slate of health.

Bosa’s older brother with the Los Angeles Chargers, Joey, currently holds the market on an annual average of $27 million per year with $102 million guaranteed.

If fans thought Warner was going to be expensive, top-tier pass-rushers command significantly more.

The market is only going to increase for this position, meaning Nick Bosa’s injuries aren’t likely to thwart his value too much at all, provided he continues on his upward trajectory. And considering edge rushers typically make more than any other defensive position, there’s a chance Bosa is trending towards being the highest-paid defender in NFL history at some point.

And San Francisco will have to pony up some serious cash, meaning it better start saving now.

Prediction: 49ers extend Nick Bosa on a five-year, $145 million deal ($29 million annually) with $108 million guaranteed