The first wave of NFL free agency is in the books, and the San Francisco 49ers' biggest remaining need is clear.
San Francisco recently created significant salary cap space for the 2026 season by restructuring defensive end Nick Bosa's contract, a move that has fueled speculation about a potential impending roster addition.
The 49ers have already been active this offseason. The team bolstered its wide receiver group with the arrival of Mike Evans, brought back linebacker Dre Greenlaw, traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and made several other under-the-radar roster additions.
However, one major area remains unaddressed: the pass rush.
San Francisco finished the 2025 NFL season with just 20 sacks, the lowest total in the league. Entering the offseason, adding help off the edge was widely viewed as a top priority. The 49ers could still pursue a veteran in free agency, address the position in the 2026 NFL Draft—or potentially do both.
Whatever route the team ultimately takes, the need for pass-rush help can't be ignored. The Athletic recently identified a pass rusher as San Francisco's top remaining roster need.
"The 49ers not only didn't add a pass rusher the first week of free agency, but they lost one as 2025 sack leader Bryce Huff (with four … yes, four) retired suddenly on Thursday at the age of 27 to start a company to build safety infrastructures for the use of lithium batteries," Vic Tafur wrote. "The 49ers need to get a charge out of the draft, and Texas A&M's bendy, quick pass rusher Cashius Howell should be there at No. 27."
One player who has repeatedly been linked to the 49ers is veteran Joey Bosa, the older brother of star pass rusher Nick Bosa. A reunion of the two in Santa Clara would create one of the NFL's most intriguing storylines.
In addition to Huff's unexpected retirement, Nick Bosa and last year's first-round pick, Mykel Williams, are both returning from ACL injuries. Robert Beal Jr. signed with the Miami Dolphins, while Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos remain free agents.
Tafur believes a Joey Bosa signing remains a realistic possibility as the next stage of free agency arrives.
"It's also possible that the 49ers could still add Nick Bosa's older brother, Joey, in the next stage of free agency," Tafur wrote. "The 49ers wanted to get younger, but would settle for better with additions Mike Evans, Osa Odighizuwa, and Bosa."
If the 49ers hope to remain competitive in 2026, the pass rush needs to be strengthened, whether that be in free agency, the draft, or a combination of both.
Comments