49ers Projected to Sign Pro Bowl Pass Rusher Joey Bosa to Pair with Nick Bosa

The 49ers need help on the defensive line, and signing Joey Bosa could be the perfect solution.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers are projected to sign free agent pass rusher Joey Bosa, the brother of current 49ers star Nick Bosa, to bolster their defensive line. Joey Bosa is a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year who would provide a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside his brother Nick.

Why it matters

The 49ers struggled to generate consistent pass rush in 2025, recording only 20 sacks as a team. Signing Joey Bosa would give them a proven, elite pass rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, creating a potentially dominant edge rushing duo that could transform the 49ers' defense.

The details

The 49ers have the cap space to sign Joey Bosa, though it may require an incentive-laden deal to make it work financially. Joey Bosa is coming off a solid season with the Buffalo Bills, recording 5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. In his 10-year NFL career, he has 77 sacks, 372 total tackles, 22 forced fumbles, 172 quarterback hits, and 96 tackles for loss.

  • The 49ers need to address their pass rush issues this offseason.
  • Joey Bosa is currently an unrestricted free agent.

The players

Nick Bosa

The star defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.

Joey Bosa

A five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher and former Defensive Rookie of the Year who is currently a free agent.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“The San Francisco 49ers, who employ Bosa's brother, Nick, would be a logical landing spot. However, general manager John Lynch has suggested signing the elder Bosa may be cost-prohibitive.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The 49ers will need to negotiate a contract with Joey Bosa that fits within their salary cap constraints, while also enticing him to join his brother in San Francisco.

The takeaway

Signing Joey Bosa would give the 49ers one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL, pairing him with his brother Nick. This move could transform the 49ers' defense and help them return to Super Bowl contention.