49ers Receive Update on Potential Defensive Addition

The 49ers may look to free agency to bolster their pass rush after the NFL Draft.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:54pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a 49ers defensive player rushing the quarterback, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of red and gold colors.A cubist interpretation of a 49ers defender pressuring the quarterback, reflecting the team's need to bolster its pass rush this offseason.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers are still in need of help on their defensive line, particularly in the pass rush. While they have been linked to signing free agent Joey Bosa, the team's general manager recently cast doubt on that possibility. However, the 49ers could revisit free agency options after the upcoming NFL Draft if they don't address the position early on.

Why it matters

The 49ers' defense has been a key part of their success in recent years, and upgrading the pass rush could be crucial to their hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2026. Finding the right veteran addition to complement Nick Bosa and the team's younger defensive linemen will be important for new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

The details

The 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025, and their pass rush has been a weakness. While Nick Bosa is working his way back from a torn ACL, the rest of the defensive line is unproven. The team has been linked to signing Joey Bosa, but GM John Lynch recently said they may not be able to afford him. However, the 49ers could revisit free agency options like Jadeveon Clowney after the draft if they don't address the position early on.

  • The NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25, 2026.
  • The 49ers ranked last in the NFL in team sacks in 2025.

The players

Nick Bosa

A five-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the 49ers who is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered last season.

Joey Bosa

A free agent defensive end who is the older brother of Nick Bosa and could be a potential target for the 49ers to bolster their pass rush.

Jadeveon Clowney

A veteran defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 and could be a free agent option for the 49ers to consider.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.

Raheem Morris

The new defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who is expected to run a 3-4 defensive alignment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I know that would make Mama Bosa happy, but I don't know if we can afford him.'”

— John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

“'There is a nonzero chance the 49ers exit the draft without picking up a defensive lineman projected to make the 53‑man roster, leaving holes in their rotation. If that happens, they might turn their attention back to free agency with a different price point in mind.'”

— David Lombardi, Reporter

“'I just don't think the 49ers are interested in Joey Bosa. Maybe Nick is. Maybe Cheryl Bosa is interested in this, you know, teaming together. I just don't see why Raheem Morris would want it. Seems like what Raheem Morris is looking for is a very specific type of player, an outside linebacker. That is not Joey Bosa.'”

— Grant Cohn, Reporter

What’s next

The 49ers will have the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they could use to address their pass rush needs. If they don't find a solution in the draft, they may revisit free agency options like Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney after the draft.

The takeaway

The 49ers' pass rush has been a weakness, and finding the right veteran addition to complement Nick Bosa will be crucial for their defensive success in 2026. While the team has been linked to Joey Bosa, they may need to explore other free agent options if they can't afford him or if he doesn't fit their new defensive scheme.