Niners HC Kyle Shanahan doesn’t enjoy trading Nick Bosa but he’s ‘mindful’ of losing games

Labor Day is the last week before the season starts. The holiday saw its share of blockbuster deals come to fruition. Perhaps Bosa is the latest. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero noted on NFL Total Access on Wednesday that Bosa wants to be paid at the top of the market.

As of now, the Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt’s $28 million annual average is tops among the insiders, with Nick’s older brother, Chargers defensive end Joey, coming in at just $27 million. Interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald sits above them all at $31.66 per year, and maybe that’s where the younger Bosa’s goal comes in.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Nick Bosa is coming off his best season. He was an All-Pro with a career-best and league-high 18.5 sacks to go along with 48 QB hits, 19 tackles for loss and 51 tackles.

The only season Bosa was not a Pro Bowler was 2020. He only played in two games that year and the 49ers missed the playoffs. With one missed game last season included, Bosa’s 49ers are 5-10 without him in his career.

“You always have to be ready to play without Nick [but] anyone,” Shanahan said. “But hopefully that won’t happen.”