Bosa getting in shape with his own program
SANTA CLARA >> Nick Bosa is not partaking in the 49ers' offseason program, but it's not what you think.
“It has nothing to do with contract,” general manager John Lynch said in Monday's pre-draft press conference.
That apparently is a different approach than another 2019 draft pick — Deebo Samuel, the All-Pro wide receiver who has requested a trade with one year left on his rookie contract.
While Samuel emerged into an AllPro last season and keyed the 49ers' playoff run, Bosa played every game on a surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament to also merit a top-of-the-market contract extension, eventually.
“I've maintained consistently that Nick, in our minds, we'll do everything we can to keep him part of this organization,” Lynch said. “He's a foundational player, much like Deebo.”
The 49ers on Monday picked up Bosa's fifth-year option at $17.9 million for the 2023 season, which essentially buys them more time to negotiate. His older brother, Joey, signed an extension last year paying him $27 million annually, second among defensive ends behind the Steelers' T.J. Watt ($28 million annually).
“We can work on an extension at any time,” Lynch added. “We've been in really good communication with Brian Ayrault, Nick's representation. At the appropriate time, we'll take those next steps.”
Samuel has come off as impatient in waiting for his potential extension, even though the 49ers' track record is to reward homegrown stars later in the summer, as was the case the previous two offseasons with George Kittle and Fred Warner.
Bosa made his second Pro Bowl after his second full season thanks in large part to rigorous training in his native Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Repeating that training strategy shouldn't be a surprise, and it certainly isn't with coach Kyle Shanahan, whose team opened its offseason program in Santa Clara last week.
“He and Kyle communicated. He's working out back in Florida,” Lynch said. “He and his brother have their trainer. Believe me, Nick Bosa is working. Every time he shows up, he's in elite shape.”
Phase two of the offseason program begins next week with coaches allowed onto the field with players. That ramps up toward nine organized team activities May 23-June 9 before mandatory minicamp June 13-15. MITCHELL'S ENCORE >> Elijah Mitchell said an offseason procedure on his knee won't delay his entry into training camp. Mitchell's 963 yards, in just 11 games, were the most ever by a 49ers' rookie rusher. Along the way, he endured multiple injuries, and his goal this season is to enter with a sturdier, 215-pound frame.
Mitchell said his knee issue “definitely had a little effect” last season. After reviewing his rookie film, he said he sees “a lot of things to improve on. Making people miss, breaking a little bit more tackles.”
Anthony Lynn has replaced Bobby Turner as the
running backs coach this season, and Mitchell is excited to work with Lynn, a former NFL and 49ers running back who was the Chargers' coach for four seasons before serving as the Lions' offensive coordinator last season.
MCGLINCHEY'S FUTURE >>
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey is two months ahead of schedule after November surgery on his right quadriceps. As excited as he is to rejoin team drills come training camp, he's entering the final year of his contract, at the fifth-year option price of $10.9 million.
“Nobody's indicated it's a `prove-it year' and you can't operate that way. That's just an unbelievable amount of pressure to put on yourself and the team,” McGlinchey said. “It's not in my control. I want to be here and be a 49er. But at the end of the
day, it's not going to be my decision. Only thing I can control is just training, and when the fall comes, play the best football I can and let the chips fall where they may.”
KINLAW RALLYING >> Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, after recently expressing optimism about his knee recovery, is sharing that rejuvenated outlook in the 49ers' offseason program. He and McGlinchey became tight as workout partners in rehabilitation the past months.
“With any player, when you're starting to feel healthier and more energy, you can tell somebody is much happier and upbeat. That's coming out in J.K.,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “It looks like the best shape he's been in.”