NFL Rumors: 49ers' Nick Bosa 'In Doubt' for Week 1 vs. Steelers amid Contract Talks

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa continues to be away from the team as he holds out for a new contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported that Bosa's "status for Week 1 is now in doubt." The Niners hit the road to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Bosa is in the final year of his rookie contract after San Francisco triggered his $17.9 million option. He's all but assured of becoming the highest-paid edge-rusher when he signs his next deal, based both on his performance and the inflationary nature of the market.

Nick's older brother Joey held that title when he got a five-year, $135 million extension from the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt moved ahead of him thanks to his four-year, $112 million extension.

Rapoport reported Tuesday that San Francisco has tabled an offer worth "in excess of $30 million" annually, but Bosa might be looking at Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald as his measuring stick. Donald is in the second year of his three-year, $95 million contract.

The three-time Pro Bowler is coming off the best year of his career. He led the NFL in sacks (18.5) and had 51 tackles en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

It was easier to dismiss the practical impact of Bosa's holdout when he was only missing practices and preseason games. Now, the ramifications are becoming painfully clear.

"We just have to play with who we've got," 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga told reporters Monday. "We'd love to have Bosa, obviously. That's a no-brainer. Best defensive player in the NFL and it shows. We just have to prepare as if he's not going to be here. That's an upper-echelon, that's a front-office question. I don't know if I can answer more on that. Once he's here we'd love to have him."

Even if an agreement between Bosa and the 49ers is imminent, it might be tough for him to get physically up to speed in time for Week 1 when he has missed some much of the offseason. The MMQB's Albert Breer speculated that a conclusion could come Friday or Saturday, which would be pushing things even more.