Nick Bosa of the 49ers missing due to contract negotiations; Trey Lance flourishing

SANTA CLARA — Day 1 of 49ers training camp arrived Tuesday, and Nick Bosa did not.

“I have not seen Nick. And I would expect he’s not here, to start off,” general manager John Lynch said at the team’s camp-opening news conference. “We’re working. We’re having really good communication with (his agent) Brian Ayrault.”

Bosa, rather than play out his rookie contract’s fifth and final year, is poised to land the richest contract extension in 49ers history and perhaps the NFL’s largest for a non-quarterback.

“The interest is mutual,” added Lynch, also noting a desire on both sides to keep negotiation details private.

Bosa’s agent, Brian Ayrault, did not immediately return messages seeking comment and confirmation.

Bosa could incur a $40,000 daily fine for missing camp, according to the league’s collective bargaining agreement for players on a fifth-year option from their rookie contract, under which Bosa is set to earn a $17.9 million salary. The 49ers could lessen or waive those fines at their discretion, as opposed to no-show penalties for more veteran players who are mandatorily docked $50,000 daily as no-shows.

“We’ll see when (Bosa reports), but I know they’ve always done a great job getting that kind of stuff done with guys when their time is up for an extension, and I know they will with him,” said linebacker Fred Warner, who secured his own lucrative extension in 2021, a week before camp.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said he’d be surprised if Bosa practiced without a new contract. The regular season does not start until Sept. 10 at Pittsburgh, and it’s worth noting that Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt attended his team’s 2021 camp but did not sign until a couple days before their season opener.

“If there’s one guy I wouldn’t worry about being in shape for training camp, it’d be Nick Bosa,” Warner added.

Bosa is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, having recorded a career-high 18 1/2 sacks to lead the 49ers into their second straight NFC Championship Game. He’s totaled 43 sacks since his 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year debut.

“The challenge is you’re talking about a real special player, one of the better ones in the league,” Lynch said. “You could argue that could simplify things. But I think at times it’s just finding that sweet spot. We’re committed to working toward that.”

Bosa is expected to command a multi-year deal in the range of $30 million to $35 million, annually. He attended June’s mandatory minicamp after spending the earlier two months of the offseason program working out in his native Fort Lauderdale with his brother, Joey, of the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We have a pretty good track record of having our guys here and done with contracts,” Lynch said. “This one may be perhaps a little more complex. No timeline is there, but we’re working hard and have good communication.”

TREY LANCE TRAJECTORY

Although Brock Purdy’s surgically repaired elbow is cleared for camp and its accompanying first-team snaps, Trey Lance will be an intriguing option at quarterback, after tightening his throwing motion this offseason with workouts in Texas under private quarterbacks coach Jeff Christensen.

“Trey’s in a great spot,” Shanahan said. “He’s pumped to be back, feeling as good as he has. He had great OTAs and really excited to get started with this.”

Shanahan said he’ll try giving Lance and Sam Darnold equal reps with respective units, seemingly for the No. 2 role behind Purdy. “Hopefully it will balance out,” Shanahan added.

SAMUEL GETS IN SHAPE

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel certainly has documented his offseason workouts while attempting to rebound from his self-described “awful” season.

“I’ve never seen a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off. I can tell he’s put the work in,” Shanahan said with a laugh.

McCAFFREY’S MINDSET

Running back Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers’ offensive catalyst upon arriving in a trade last October, said the offseason has given him a chance to better digest “a complex playbook.” That goes for understanding Shanahan’s methodology, and for how the scheme calls for specific space and timing tendencies.

“It’s much better than just showing up and figuring it out,” said McCaffrey, who played in the Oct. 23 loss to the Chiefs only two days after flying in from Carolina.

McCaffrey enjoyed his first two career playoff wins last season before their downfall in the NFC Championship Game.

“We know we have a lot of talent. We know what it takes to put it together,” McCaffrey added. “But that is a long, tough process, and you have to go through some growing pains, some good days, some bad days, and that’s what this time is for. I’m happy to be part of a stacked team.”

‘LAST GAME’ OR BUST?