The Pittsburgh Steelers now enter preparation for the San Francisco 49ers, as we are just days away from the highly anticipated Week 1 matchup. Over the last month or so, the NFC West squad has had an interesting development. Their star edge rusher Nick Bosa's status for Sunday's opener is seriously in jeopardy. If you haven't been paying attention, he's seeking a massive contract extension.
49ers.com
49ers star edge rusher Nick Bosa made his presence felt against the Steelers in 2019, but his status is in doubt for the 2023 season opener.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch have remained hopeful and optimistic on getting a deal done. Now though, we are just days away. While a deal still could be reached, it's looking less and less likely. According to ESPN Steelers beat writer Brooke Pryor though, the Steelers are preparing as if they will face him. That includes left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who will have his hands full no matter what.
Dan Moore Jr. on 49ers DE Nick Bosa, who is still holding out waiting on a contract extension:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 4, 2023
“we’re expecting him to be in the stadium.”
Moore, set to enter his third season, has actually fared well against elite pass rushers in his early NFL career. Luckily for him, he'll have to face three of the league's best in the first three weeks of the season. Moore beat out rookie first-rounder Broderick Jones, who will likely take over the left tackle spot at some point in 2023.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5091-544x306.jpg "Steelers Dan Moore Jr")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was able to beat out first-rounder Broderick Jones for the important spot along the offensive line.
Spotrac puts Bosa's market value of $28.6 million per year, which would give him a four-year, $114.6 million deal. Based off recent reports, including Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the 49ers and Bosa are about $4 million apart on their negotiations. The star edge rusher wants to have the biggest non-quarterback contract in NFL history, which would put him in excess of $30 million per year. For reference, Steelers star TJ Watt is in the middle of a four-year, $112 million deal.
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It's understandable why he's demanding such a big contract, as he's coming off the best season of his four-year career so far. His 18.5 sacks across 16 games won him AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022 campaign. If he does return though, Shanahan will have to decide just how much to play the superstar. Given the fact that he's sat out due to the contract dispute, he's likely not fully fit for a 60-minute football game quite yet.
The team has made it clear that they will not trade him, but Shanahan didn't rule out the fact that Bosa could miss multiple games. Regardless, whether Bosa plays or not, the Steelers offensive line will have a difficult time slowing down the 49ers' defensive line. That includes former Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, whom San Francisco signed to a massive contract earlier this offseason.
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Former Steelers star Javon Hargrave is just one of several defenders that the team will have to slow down in Week 1 against the 49ers.
He was a guy that could have made sense for Pittsburgh, but his deal ended up being a bit too pricey. The 49ers will be the perfect test for a Steelers team that has improved a ton this offseason. Last season, the 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship before coming up just short. It'll be the first time the Steelers open the season at home in several years. You know that Acrisure Stadium will be loud on Sunday, and the team will need every bit of it.
What are your predictions for the Steelers' season opener against the 49ers? How much would Bosa's absence sway your confidence for the Week 1 tilt? Do you think the 49ers reach a deal with the superstar edge rusher before the game? Share your opinions in the comments below, yinz!
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