The LA Chargers released Joey Bosa to save over $25 million in cap space in 2025. Despite the speculation Bosa could return to Los Angeles on a cheaper deal, it was pretty clear right away where the Pro Bowl edge rusher would sign.
Only one team in the league offers Bosa the opportunity to play with his brother: the San Francisco 49ers. The Bosa brothers have been open about their desire to play with each other and this is the first real chance they've had in the NFL.
Bosa's theorized interest in the 49ers is no longer a theory. San Francisco is also interested in bringing the Bosa brothers together. According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, the two sides have had good conversations thus far and are tracking toward a deal.
Meanwhile, I've heard Joey Bosa and 49ers are having good conversations and this feels like it's headed toward a deal.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) March 9, 2025
Nothing is done, but the Bosa brothers want to be together and probably will get there this year. Which likely means this will be a moderate deal + incentives.
49ers' Joey Bosa interest is real following Chargers release
The signs were all there that Bosa would want to travel up the I-5 to play with his brother next season. The only question was if the 49ers would be interested in this situation and if there would a top-tier contender that swooped in and offered Bosa a deal he couldn't refuse.
That does not appear to be the situation. Bosa is seemingly prioritizing playing with his brother, even if they only play together for one season.
Kawakami's wording at the end of the report is important context for the kind of deal Bosa may sign. Bosa signing a moderate deal with incentives makes sense after the disappointing season he had, but it also reveals what the contract may look like length-wise.
Incentive-stuffed contracts are typically of the one-year variety, which makes sense for what Bosa should want. Bosa still has a chance to sign a lucrative contract in the NFL but he was never going to be able to after the season he had with the Chargers.
Thus, it makes sense for Bosa to sign a prove-it deal with a good team where he can earn more if he plays well. Bosa would then be able to negotiate a new contract offseason. After a good season, that new contract would be worth much more than what he would get this offseason.
It just so happens in this instance of needing a prove-it deal, Bosa has the chance to play with his brother. Signing with the 49ers is best for his long-term earnings and for his personal desires.
At this point, Bosa signing with the 49ers after his Chargers release should be considered a done deal. Anything other than that outcome would be truly shocking.