The Los Angeles Chargers made the painful choice to move on from a long-time defender in Joey Bosa prior to the 2025 season, ultimately choosing to roll with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu as their primary pass rushers.
In a sense, this was the right move. Bosa was clearly on the decline in terms of both his production and his availability. With an emergent defender in Tuipulotu and another veteran presence in Mack, Bosa was simply a casualty of the continuous push to move the roster forward. Of course, Los Angeles soon realized that their depth at the position (Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard) were insufficient, leading them to trade for Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens.
Oweh was highly productive during his tenure in Los Angeles. Although he departed this offseason to sign a four-year, $96 million deal with the Washington Commanders, he should yield the Chargers a compensatory pick in next year's Draft. With Akheem Mesidor now in the fold, it's safe to say that it's turned out alright for Los Angeles.
Things turned out relatively fine for Bosa as well. He signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, and he maintained modest production as one of their rotational pass-rushers.
At this point in the offseason, though, the former Charger may have only one chance to earn a major role before the end of his career. The San Francisco 49ers need pass-rusher depth, and Bosa could be the perfect fit.
As the opportunities fall away for Joey Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers could be his last chance
Bosa, as mentioned, was relatively productive with Buffalo last season. Across 15 games, he amassed five sacks and 47 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. While it's clear his days as a lead pass-rusher are in the past, he still definitely has the potential to be disruptive as a depth piece.
Bosa signing with San Francisco would, first and foremost, unite him with his brother, Nick, for the first time in their careers. But the fit goes even deeper than that.
Alex Kay at Bleacher Report, in his piece outlining the best fits for remaining free agents, made the argument that the 49ers' relative lack of depth at the position could swing the door wide open for a Bosa signing:
"The Niners know better than anyone that depth—especially in the defensive trenches—is critical for success in the modern NFL. San Francisco managed to weather a rash of injuries last year to punch a playoff ticket and reach the Divisional Round, but still needs to reinforce the edge again after losing Clelin Ferrell, Yetur Gross-Matos and Bryce Huff this offseason. San Francisco did grab a defensive end in Romello Height during the 2026 NFL draft, but the team needs a proven pass-rushing piece like Bosa to complete its edge rotation." Alex Kay, Bleacher Report
Currently, the 49ers have an pass-rushing core of Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Sam Okuayinonu, Keion White, Romello Height, and Cameron Sample. While Bosa, Williams, and Height will all likely get a guaranteed share of snaps— since San Francisco spent first-round pick on Williams in 2025 and a third-round pick on Height in 2026— neither Sample, White, nor Okuayinonu are proven disruptors in the backfield.
Most other teams, meanwhile, have already filled their need for pass-rush depth either in the Draft or free agency. The Philadelphia Eagles, most recently, signed A.J. Epenesa to complete their room. The Chicago Bears seem to be hoping for some internal development from their existing core, leaving that door shut for a veteran signing. The Minnesota Vikings, who have been linked as a potential fit for Bosa, may look to address other defensive needs or seek out a cheaper edge-rusher option given their limited financial flexibility.
Bosa will get a contract in 2026. But he'll have a chance to carve out a major role with the 49ers, assuming he ends up there. If it's with any other team at this point, it might be the beginning of Bosa's slow fade into obscurity.
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