After it looked like 49ers fans would have to worry about the team starting the regular season without star defensive end Nick Bosa, the Niners and their fans can take a sigh of relief as the team was able to secure Bosa to a long-term deal. Bosa and the team agreed to terms on a five-year $170 contract extension.
Since entering the league in 2019, the former Ohio State Buckeye has established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. This past season, Bosa had a league leading 18.5 sacks and was a key contributer to a San Francisco defense that gave up the fewest points per game last season at just 16.3 ppg. The 49ers defense also gave up the fewest yards per game in the NFL last year at 300.6 yards per game. Bosa's stellar season led to him winning his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
Nick Bosa was just one star defensive player this offseason that was in search of a new deal. Currently, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones' name is swirling in trade rumors as he and the team have been unable to resolve a contract dispute. The star Kansas City pass rusher tied his career-high in sacks last season with 15.5 and has not participated in any team activities all off-season long.
The two-time Super Bowl champion is entering the final year of a four-year $80 million dollar contract and says, "I'm just asking for a raise." Kansas City was willing to part ways with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, but that was because they knew as long they had a healthy Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, they could compete with anybody offensively. Chris Jones is by far the best defender on Kansas City's defense and with him there, the Chiefs better be prepared to continue to win a lot of shootouts.