Nick Bosa remains unsigned as the 49ers prepare for their season opener with the Steelers, who know a little something about getting an edge rusher tied to a contract extension just days ahead of the season.

The Niners and Bosa's representatives are attempting to hammer out a contract that will likely be a record-setting one for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. 

San Francisco is hoping they will reach an agreement to end Bosa's holdout in time for Week 1, when the Niners will meet an edge rusher in T.J. Watt who was involved in a similar situation in 2021.

Watt staged a 'hold-in', showing up at the facility but not practicing, before he was eventually signed to a four-year extension worth over $112 million with $80 million guaranteed. That deal was struck on September 9, three days before the Steelers began their 2021 campaign.

At the time, it made Watt the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. He celebrated that achievement with a devastating performance in a road win for the Steelers over the Bills. Watt registered two sacks, including one that forced a fumble recovered by Cameron Heyward, a tackle for loss and five quarterback hits.

There is a lot of concern in the Bay Area about how ready Bosa will be for the season opener if he signs his extension without a week of practice under his belt. Watt is living proof that edge rushers of that caliber can produce game-wrecking displays with virtually no practice time against elite opposition.

Bosa will hope to replicate Watt in two areas. He wants to leapfrog Aaron Donald and become the league's highest-paid defensive player and will obviously be determined to celebrate such an achievement by taking over the game against the Steelers.

The season opener with the Steelers promises to be a fascinating matchup for many reasons, including a duel between the last two players to win Defensive Player of the Year. However, that meeting between Bosa and a player in Watt whom he is looking to emulate will not happen unless he and the Niners can clear whatever hurdles remain in their protracted negotiations.

49ers have bad omen against them ahead of Week 1 clash with Steelers

One piece of history is not on their side.

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