After finishing the 2025 season with a league-low 20 sacks, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to prioritize pass-rush help this offseason, whether through NFL free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. If the team opts to add a veteran defensive end, one potential move could reunite siblings.
CBS Sports analyst Zachary Pereles recently examined the upcoming free-agent market, identifying the 49ers as a top landing spot for Joey Bosa, the older brother of star edge rusher Nick Bosa.
San Francisco briefly explored the idea of signing Joey Bosa last offseason, though the pursuit never gained significant traction. Ultimately, Bosa signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Now set to hit free agency again, the five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman could once more be on the 49ers' radar. The question is whether San Francisco will be more aggressive in its pursuit this time around.
"The Bosa brothers reunite as San Francisco adds a much-needed pass rusher," Pereles wrote. "Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off a torn ACL, and the elder Bosa would be a help as a situational player."
Bosa started 15 games for the Bills in 2025—his most since 2021—and finished the season with 29 tackles, including nine for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, five sacks, five forced fumbles, and two passes defensed.
Entering his 11th NFL season, Joey Bosa brings experience and versatility to the edge. Nick Bosa, meanwhile, is preparing for his eighth season while working his way back from a torn ACL—the second such injury of his NFL career.
While the 49ers were singled out as a prime destination specifically for Joey Bosa, Pereles also linked the team to several other notable free agents, particularly along the defensive front.
Among the potential targets are edge rushers Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, and Jadeveon Clowney. Pereles also suggested San Francisco could explore upgrades at other positions, connecting the 49ers to wide receiver Romeo Doubs and cornerback Jamel Dean.
The list even included wide receiver Deebo Samuel, though that scenario appears unlikely given Samuel's clear desire to move on from the Bay Area last offseason.
Finally, while Pereles named the Tennessee Titans as the top landing spot for 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, he still listed San Francisco as a possibility to bring the player back.