Nick Bosa
Bosa became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history in 2023. This came after he missed the Niners’ entire training camp in a dramatic holdout. The franchise didn’t want to deal with this after Deebo Samuel’s situation the previous year. But they recognized Bosa’s importance and gave him the cash he wanted.
Samuel was the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He led the league in sacks as he showed why he’s one of the best in the business. The Niners knew that it was crucial to keep him to fulfill their championship ambitions because the clock was ticking (via The Guardian).