49ers insist they won't trade Nick Bosa, NFL insider suggests deal gets done soon

Amid the contractual standoff, it'd be reasonable to think the 49ers could consider trading Nick Bosa for a king's ransom, but those suggestions have been quickly shot down.

As the San Francisco 49ers navigate through the aftermath of their shocking trade of quarterback Trey Lance and all the ramifications that'll come from it, there's essentially only one more of-note order of business facing head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch prior to the start of the regular season.

Extending All-Pro edge Nick Bosa.

Bosa, who held out from training camp amid his desire to seek a new contract extension, will likely become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, potentially making up to $35 million a year.

The Niners, who are already operating right up against the salary cap and have plenty of top-dollar contracts for their many star players, have been in secretive negotiations with Bosa and his agent, Brian Ayrault, and Lynch has regularly insisted those talks stay quiet.

Of course, that quiet has led to plenty of speculation and rumor that a deal is impossible to reach, and San Francisco could potentially do the unthinkable.

Trade Bosa.

If you're thinking this is just content-speak, check this out.

Rumors, yes. But those tend to arise when such a standoff takes place. At least the 49ers brass was willing to bluntly put those rumors to rest, though.

Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch both dismiss idea 49ers will trade Nick Bosa

Granted, there is something of a precedent here. Entering 2020, the Niners couldn't come to an agreement with another star defender, DeForest Buckner, and ultimately elected to trade him to the Indianapolis Colts in a blockbuster move.

Bosa is going to command much more than Buckner ever wanted, although the former is on pace to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer. If there ever was a defender worth opening up the savings vault for, it's Bosa.

So, needless to say, both Shanahan and Lynch shot down the notion that Bosa would be on the trade block.

"No. I haven’t talked to many people about that," Shanahan said on Wednesday when asked about the possibility of trading Bosa. "But I know how I feel pretty strongly and I think everyone would agree with that."

Lynch was even more blunt with his response.

"No," the GM responded when asked about a Bosa trade. "Real simple."

While it's certainly possible both Shanahan and Lynch are bluffing, the tone and demeanor of both suggests otherwise.

NFL insiders feel as if a deal is getting close.

NFL Network's Steve Wyche on 49ers-Nick Bosa deal: I could see this getting done before Week 1

While there has been speculation about trades, there has also been speculation about a deal being on the horizon. In fact, one Bay Area sports radio host cited a source that said the two sides were coming close to reaching a new contract and that Bosa would play in Week 1's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tack on NFL Network's Steve Wyche as being among those who'd subscribe to that report.

Speaking to KNBR 680 earlier this week (h/t 49ers Webzone), Wyche pointed out that San Francisco is in "Super Bowl or bust mode," and winning a Super Bowl will be almost impossible without Bosa present.

"That's why I think this gets done," Wyche noted. "... I just don't see this getting to a point where it doesn't get done. I could see this getting done before Week 1. Does that mean Nick Bosa is on a pitch count? Sure. But to me, this does not drag into the season."

While the dollar amount isn't likely what's holding negotiations up, it's probably the amount of money guaranteed. The 49ers have historically shied away from paying a lot in guarantees, but they might have to because of Bosa's caliber.

"I'm surprised this has not gotten done yet," Wyche added. "Can they go Week 1 without Nick? Yeah. Week 2? Yeah. But you better get him there pretty soon after that."

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