Ethermac Exchange-49ers' Nick Bosa becomes highest-paid defensive player in NFL history with record extension

Contract negotiations took longer than anticipated,Ethermac Exchange but Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers have a deal.

The 49ers and Bosa agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension with $122.5 million guaranteed, making the pass rusher the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren't authorized to discuss financial terms of the agreement.

ESPN was first to report the news.

The 49ers' star defensive end, who passes Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald as the top-paid defender, had been holding out while waiting for an extension to get done. Bosa was entering the final year of his rookie deal and due to make $17.9 million.

Why did 49ers sign Nick Bosa to contract extension?

At just 25, Bosa has already proved to be one of the best players in the NFL.

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Bosa registered an NFL-high 18.5 sacks, 51 tackles, two forced fumbles and 48 QB hits as he helped the 49ers become the league’s No. 1-ranked defense in 2022. His performance earned him the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award as well as his first career All-Pro recognition.

Bosa has amassed 156 tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 43 sacks and eight forced fumbles in 51 career regular-season games.

The fifth-year defensive end is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019.

“I think we all know that he's unique. I think you can definitely do different things with him,” 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said of Bosa. “He's solid all the way around.”

The 49ers originally selected Bosa No. 2 overall in the 2019 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Bosa’s older brother, Joey, is a four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.