(08-27-2023, 12:02 PM)OutsiderFan Wrote:(08-27-2023, 11:05 AM)Mick Wrote: Supposedly Nick Bosa has a specific number in mind, and is not budging from that number. No negotiation. Here's the figure, meet it or I won't play. Makes me wonder if the Niners will franchise tag him in 2024. He might sit out the year, though I doubt it. He's under contract this year for $17.9 million.
Niners could franchise tag him, though they haven't franchise tagged a player since Robbie Gould in 2019. Eight players were franchise tagged last season. A team can franchise tag a player only three times, but because of the step-up rule, that third franchise tag gets very expensive.
The non-exclusive franchise tag value for defensive ends is $19.727 million for 2023, or 120% of the player's prior year salary, whichever is greater. So for Bosa, 2024 franchise tag calculates at $21.48 million.
This is a good explanation of exclusive franchise tags (there's only been four since 2012), non-exclusive franchise tags (much more common) and transition tags:
NFL franchise tags, explained: Updated position values, deadlines & rules to know for 2023 | Sporting News
Bosa is playing a dangerous game now. The Niners always take care of their players. Pushing to the maximum and past the line the Niners feel comfortable with will not be a good idea. He's at risk of making his team worse *by forcing Niners to cut player they want to keep), and costing himself money by asking for more than the Niners want to pay.
These types of "I won't negotiate" tactics can work both ways. Keep in mind, Bosa is under contract for this season. He won't get a year of service unless he reports. If he plays out his rookie deal this year he will be a free agent, but the Niners can franchise tag him then. So just by letting CBA rules play out, the Niners can save a lot of money by doing this.
They can tell his agent that if Bosa doesn't report by Tuesday, they will end extension talks, and make him play the final year of his contract to earn his year of service with threat to franchise tag him next year.
I believe players have to report by Week 8 in order to receive service credit for the entire season. Therefore, playing hardball v. Bosa could result in his absence for seven games (while he still receives a credit for seventeen games by reporting in Week 8) AND be eligible for the franchise tag in 2024.
Having said that, both Bosa and the 49ers are smart enough to know that negotiating is the only way to resolve the matter. I believe the issue will be worked out before Week 1.