Andrew Buller-Russ
San Francisco 49ers rumors have been lingering all offseason. Whether it’s a potential Mac Jones trade, moving on from Brandon Aiyuk, or other moves, general manager John Lynch has a lot of tough decisions to make.
Yet, the latest batch of 49ers free agency rumors ties the team to five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa. The older brother of 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, Joey spent last season with the Buffalo Bills after inking a one-year, $12.6 million contract in free agency. Now a free agent again, there’s been heavy speculation of Joey becoming teammates with Nick in San Francisco.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Vic Tafur suggested that the 49ers “could still add” Joey in the next phase of free agency.
“The 49ers not only didn’t add a pass rusher the first week of free agency, but they lost one as 2025 sack leader Bryce Huff (with four … yes, four) retired suddenly on Thursday at the age of 27 to start a company to build safety infrastructures for the use of lithium batteries. The 49ers need to get a charge out of the draft, and Texas A&M’s bendy, quick pass rusher Cashius Howell should be there at No. 27. It’s also possible that the 49ers could still add Nick Bosa’s older brother, Joey, in the next stage of free agency. The 49ers wanted to get younger, but would settle for better with additions Mike Evans, Osa Odighizuwa and Bosa.”
The Athletic’s Vic Tafur on Joey Bosa/49ers
Of course, that same speculation ignited last offseason, too, after he was released by the Los Angeles Chargers after nine seasons with the team. Bosa wound up finding an enticing offer to play for another Super Bowl contender in Buffalo. Of course, it didn’t work out the way anyone imagined, with the Bills being eliminated in the AFC Conference Championship instead.
As for Bosa, he was still fairly productive, recording five sacks in 15 starts. He also led the NFL with five forced fumbles. Even if he can’t return to being a double-digit sack producer as he did four times with the Chargers, being able to play alongside his brother could be a special experience for the two sack masters.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window
