San Francisco 49ers (Image via AFP Photo) The San Francisco 49ers might be looking to explore the edge rusher market in free agency. While they have one Bosa brother on the team, Joey Bosa is emerging as a great option. Signing him would reunite him with his brother Nick Bosa and fix a pass-rush unit that has struggled throughout the 2025 season.Nick’s torn ACL exposed how thin the defensive front became when he was unavailable. With the defensive star expected back by training camp in 2026, the team has an opportunity to rebuild the line and avoid a repeat of last year’s drop in pressure.
Joey Bosa Likely Headed for Free Agency
Joey Bosa, 30, is listed at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds. He joined the Buffalo Bills on a one-year, $12.6 million contract after being released by the Chargers.He played 15 games in 2025 and recorded 29 combined tackles, including 17 solo tackles. He also finished with five sacks and five forced fumbles. Injuries have affected parts of his career, but his production last season showed he can still contribute.Buffalo is managing salary cap limitations and appears focused on younger players, which makes a new deal for Bosa less likely and puts him on track for the open market.
Nick Bosa Working Toward Full Return
Nick Bosa, 28, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 266 pounds. He suffered a torn ACL in September 2025 and appeared in only a few games, finishing with two sacks.Despite the shortened season, his career totals remain strong with 278 tackles and 64.5 sacks. Early expectations point to a full recovery before the 2026 season.
Edge Depth on Both Rosters
Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa (Image via Getty)
San Francisco 49ers’ pass rush lacked production in 2025. Bryce Huff and Clelin Ferrell led the team with four sacks each, while Bosa had two before his injury. The current rotation includes Huff, Ferrell, Yetur Gross-Matos, and other depth pieces in a system that relies on multiple linemen.Buffalo Bills’ group features Greg Rousseau under a long-term deal, along with free agent A.J. Epenesa and Bosa. The team appears ready to invest more snaps in younger defenders.PlayerTeamAgeHeight/Weight2025 SacksCareer Sacks Joey Bosa BUF 30 6’5”/280 5.0 ~60+ Nick Bosa SF 28 6’4”/266 2.0 64.5 Bryce Huff SF ~28 N/A 4.0 N/A Greg Rousseau BUF ~25 6’4”/283 Lead BUF N/A
Expected Contract Structure
Projections place Bosa in the range of a two-year contract worth about $25-30 million. The deal could include void years to reduce the first-year cap hit to roughly $12 million, with incentives tied to sacks and games played.No trade would be required because he is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers are also expected to create around $20 million in cap space through roster moves, including the release of Leonard Floyd.
What Each Side Gains
The San Francisco 49ers would add an experienced pass rusher and reduce the pressure on Nick Bosa as he returns from injury. A productive season from both players could push the combined sack total past 25.Joey Bosa would join a playoff contender and play alongside his brother while likely receiving a stronger offer than Buffalo can match. The Bills would clear more than $12 million in cap space and continue building with younger edge prospects.Nick could also benefit from fewer double teams if another proven rusher lines up opposite him.
Advantages and Concerns
Pros: • The brothers played at Ohio State and already share familiarity on the field. • The defensive line gains needed depth with Huff and Ferrell in the rotation. • Two established edge rushers improve the front immediately.Cons: • Joey’s injury history and Nick’s recent knee injury create some uncertainty. • A contract near $15 million per year carries risk if production drops. • Buffalo would lose a veteran defender, though Rousseau remains the centerpiece.Also read: NFL trade rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers predicted to be perfect home for $72 million Houston Texans’ wide receiver in free agency to bolster rotationIf the move happens, the 49ers would take a direct step toward fixing their pass rush and strengthening the defense for 2026. Joey Bosa would land in a stable situation, Buffalo would move forward with a younger roster, and San Francisco would gain help where it is needed most.