Kyle Shanahan, players admit having doubt over Nick Bosa deal getting done

After months of negotiations, the 49ers and star pass rusher Nick Bosa came to an agreement on a five-year mega deal Wednesday. And while the contract got done in the end, there was some doubt across the organization that it would be finished by Week 1 of the regular season.

Kyle Shanahan was one of those doubters, anticipating an awkward exchange with the media Wednesday. But at the 11th hour, the deal was finalized, learning of the news right before he addressed 49ers Faithful.

“I was preparing to talk to you guys about how I have nothing to tell you guys,” Shanahan told the media Wednesday. “I just got told the news, so obviously pumped up about it. I’ll try to hit [Bosa] up after this and figure it out but he’s trying to get here as fast as possible.”

Kyle Shanahan was preparing to play the Steelers without Nick Bosa.

"I just kind of got in my mind that we weren't playing with him." pic.twitter.com/rhdHuMSU1S

— KNBR (@KNBR) September 6, 2023

The overly giddy coach did admit that he had some doubts along the way though.

Not wanting to meddle in contract talks, Shanahan stayed away, letting John Lynch and the front office take care of business. But when the deal didn’t get done by the end of the preseason, thoughts of doubt started to creep in, preparing his team for life without Bosa.

“Not good thoughts,” the coach stated. “Once it kind of went through the weekend, I just kind of got in my mind that we weren’t playing with him. Because if I would’ve gone back and forth, I would’ve been miserable. So, I just decided we weren’t. I think our team was ready to not [have him] and that was our mindset. And it was a hell of a bonus to just get told that coming in here. So, we’re obviously real excited about it.”

That sentiment rang true for the players as well. While they understand the business side of football, it’s never easy, especially in a championship window.

Trent Williams was a player who certainly felt the pressure for Bosa to be with the team, hanging over like a dark cloud entering Week 1.

“I’d be lying to say it wasn’t… as laid back and as monotone as he seems, he’s a big part of this locker room. A lot of people really follow him,” Williams stated.

That’s why when the pen was finally put to paper, the whole franchise breathed a sigh of relief.

"You should've seen me screaming earlier." 😂

Warner is ecstatic to have Bosa back pic.twitter.com/PEU8EjJdyl

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 6, 2023

“We were all pretty animated and excited to see our boy get paid,” Williams exclaimed.

But with only a few days of practice before playing the Steelers, how effective can Nick Bosa be? The answer: The same as he always is.

As long as the defensive end is ready to go, he’ll be seeing a full snap count to open 2023.

“How many snaps are in the game? I’m just joking,” Shanahan said with a grin. “We got to see when he gets here, I know Nick will come in shape, I know he’ll be good.”

Field rust is definitely a factor for most players, but not for Nick Bosa.

“He’d have to have a beer belly and be out of shape or something,” Shanahan said about his chances of not playing Sunday. “And that’s not in Bosa’s DNA.”

Nick Bosa’s latest post after signing a massive deal to be the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/iRStuZmYo0

— Alex Tran (@nineralex) September 6, 2023

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