Many believed former Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa would sign with the San Francisco 49ers, reuniting with his younger brother, Nick, in the Bay Area. While it's unclear how close the two sides were to a deal, the 49ers and the Miami Dolphins were reportedly very interested in adding the five-time Pro Bowler to their rosters.
Bosa revealed that a text from a former 49ers fan played a key role in his decision to join the Bills. That fan was none other than California native and reigning NFL MVP, quarterback Josh Allen.
Bosa signed with Buffalo for a bigger payday than the 49ers were likely offering and the chance to compete for a championship. While joining his brother might have been memorable, the 49ers' offseason roster purge was likely concerning, raising questions about the team's Super Bowl chances. The odds were just better in Buffalo.
"I'm just excited, like I said, to experience something new, something different, and I think something that's going to be really special," Bosa told reporters (h/t Peter Panacy of Niner Noise). "... I think we have a chance to do something special, and Josh texted me that if we do what we set out to do, we could really be immortalized in this town, and that's what it's all about—winning, winning a championship. And I think that's why people are here."
Joey Bosa's spent his entire career with the Chargers.
He's excited for the new opportunity with the #Bills, helped by Josh Allen's message.
"Josh texted me that if we do what we set out to do, we could really be immortalized in this town." pic.twitter.com/eroW7OmqHa
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) March 13, 2025
Meanwhile, after a disappointing 6-11 season, the 49ers have faced significant personnel losses, including some fan favorites. The defensive line was not immune to the offseason shakeup, with the team parting ways with Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd—the last of whom many thought could have been a precursor to signing Bosa.
Ultimately, that didn't happen, and the 49ers will likely look to the draft to strengthen their trenches.