49ers, Jets avoid distraction of training camp holdouts

Training camp holdouts appeared on the horizon for the 49ers and Jets, but they have been avoided with Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams signed to contracts.

As Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams remained unsigned, the spectre of possible training camp holdouts loomed over the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets.

Holdouts — regardless of whether they involve a rookie or a veteran — are a huge distraction for teams and leave those experiencing their first year in the NFL playing catch up if they are not signed until late into training camp or, in rare cases, after the season starts.

The Niners and Jets each avoided having the issue of unsigned contracts drag on by inking their top picks to deals on Thursday. Second overall pick Nick Bosa — as well as second-round pick Deebo Samuel — was signed by the 49ers, while the Jets ended the impasse surrounding third overall selection Quinnen Williams.

With the Jets’ rookies having reported for camp last week, defensive tackle Williams is behind the 8-ball a little, however, given how rapidly he developed into one of the best players in college football in his lone season as a starter at Alabama, New York is unlikely to be overly concerned about such a small amount of missed time.

Bosa will be playing catch up in a sense after a hamstring injury kept him out of the 49ers’ minicamp. But, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Bosa is again fully healthy and San Francisco can now focus on him forming an intimidating duo of edge rushers with Dee Ford, while also integrating Samuel into an offense he is excellently suited for after signing him to a deal.

Both Bosa and Williams are poised to be integral parts of their respective defenses and will be expected to a massive impact as rookies. With the possibility of prolonged holdouts removed, the coaching staffs of the Niners and Jets can get to work on making sure they are in the best position to do so.