The financial bar for the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa has just been reset, thanks to the New York Jets, a
franchise that has previously represented the 49ers.
The AFC East team managed by former San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh rewarded outstanding
interior defensive lineman Quinnen Williams with a four-year, $96 million extension on Thursday morning, as
originally reported by the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. Williams will also receive $66 million in
guaranteed compensation. According to Pelissero, the 2022 Pro Bowler has the “largest second contract ever for a
defensive tackle.”
While Williams plays a very different role in the trenches than Bosa, there is now speculation that this puts the price
for Bosa’s upcoming contract even higher.
To summarize, Aaron Donald of the rival Los Angeles Rams remains the highest-paid NFL defensive tackle. The
Super Bowl 56 winner and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year earns $31.7 million per year.
Williams’ new contract places him second among defensive linemen, with the Jets paying him $24 million per year.
However, Williams’ guaranteed salary exceeds the $65 million offered to Donald by the Rams. But now the question
is if the 49ers can put together a deal that not only exceeds Williams’ current salary, but also catapults Donald.
While Donald is the richest defensive lineman, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the wealthiest defensive end. As
49ers insider David Lombardi of The Athletic pointed out, Bosa and the 49ers may still strike a deal that exceeds
Watt’s five-time Pro Bowl earnings.
