When there are delays like the one the 49ers are experiencing in getting Nick Bosa signed to an extension, speculation is inevitable.

So it wasn't much of a surprise this week to see some outlandish internet conjecture about the 49ers potentially trading the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

At this press conference on Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan quickly shut down any suggestion the 49ers would even consider their star edge rusher.

Asked if there they would ever be open to the possibility, Shanahan said: "No. I feel pretty strongly and I think everyone would agree with that."

In a subsequent press conference, general manager John Lynch was asked if there was any percentage chance they would consider trading Bosa. He was similarly blunt.

"No. Real simple," said Lynch.

While Lynch added there were "no updates" on the progress of negotiations between the 49ers and Bosa, he said there has been "communication, and that's a good thing".

Shanahan at least hinted at some optimism of a resolution being reached in the near future, saying of the front office: "I know they’re working tirelessly. Hopefully we can get him in sooner than later."

But the 49ers head coach did not rule out there being a world in which San Francisco does not have its premier defensive player signed to a long-term contract for the season opener with the Steelers on Sept. 10.

"I can imagine anything," said Shanahan when asked about that scenario. "Doesn’t mean I like that picture."

Time is ticking down, but the 49ers will be hoping a Bosa-less defense is something that remains firmly in the realm of imagination.

Nick Bosa’s 49ers holdout reaches a scary new stage

He remains listed as ‘did not report’ as the holdout goes on.

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