Steelers Could Avoid 49ers Biggest Star

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a much easier opponent than anticipated in Week 1.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers could find themselves facing the San Francisco 49ers without their biggest star. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, there's no guarantee Nick Bosa and the 49ers will agree to a deal before they travel to Acrisure Stadium, meaning he may sit out in Week 1. 

"People I’ve talked to believe he will be the highest-paid defensive player in the league above Donald; the 49ers would like to push this through before Week 1, but not a slam dunk. A deal of this magnitude has a lot of nuance to it," Fowler said. 

Now, while the 49ers and Bosa have been working on a deal, there doesn't seem to be much budge from either side. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a season with 18.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, and is looking to be paid as the best defender in the NFL. 

All49ers publisher Grant Cohn said he believes the 49ers underestimated what Bosa would be looking for in a contract and are now trying to figure out how to hand him roughly $35 million per season. 

Nick Bosa might miss Week 1. pic.twitter.com/W4JCxPxu7l

— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 25, 2023

If Bosa does not play, that relieves a ton of pressure from Steelers offensive tackle Chuks Okorafor. It'll also allow Kenny Pickett and the offense to move much smoother, and should certainly increase their odds of winning. 

The 49ers have six days to figure out their new deal, but if nothing gets done, expect them to line up in Week 1 without their biggest threat. 

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