Could Nick and Joey Bosa play on the same team? This could be the year.
The San Francisco 49ers have been busy in free agency this year. Not only making high-profile moves, but smart moves, addressing several positions. One position that may have taken a hit, though, is edge rusher. Bryce Huff called it a career this week, further weakening the position opposite Nick Bosa.
No problem, go find his brother. Joey Bosa remains a free agent. There’s a reason for that—his availability. Bosa has yet to play
a full 17-week NFL season in his career. Most recently, he played 14 games in 2024 and 15 in 2025. When he is available, he’s a great pass rusher and could be a great situational one at this point in his career.
Over at ESPN, Bill Barnwell put together a list of some top remaining free agents and some fits, also thinking a Bosa reunion would be a good move.
It’s the obvious call, right? The 49ers are a team that’s very comfortable taking aggressive swings on talented players with upside, even if that upside comes with injury concerns. They have an opening for a situational pass rusher after Bryce Huff retired Thursday, and Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos are free agents. Bosa would join up with his brother, Nick, who is recovering from the second torn ACL of his pro career. Joey Bosa would be in a part-time role on a 49ers team that should be heavily rotating its edge rushers throughout the season.
Money would be the one thing that separates a Bosa brother reunion. The 49ers have spent wisely in 2026, and Bosa is in the twilight of his career. If he’s willing to take the salary of a situational pass rusher, it’s a no-brainer. Bosa wasn’t awful against the run, but he’s not someone I would want playing a majority of snaps. Both for the run concerns and for his durability. If they can get a good contract and keep him fresh, this could be a good bandage for Bryce Huff.
That does not relieve the 49ers of the need to find their edge rusher of the future. They still need to figure out what to do opposite Nick Bosa. Yes, they have Mykel Williams, but it seems he will play the Arik Armstead role of moving around the line. For now, on a one-year or even two-year deal, they could have Nick Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa sapping up offensive linemen, which could free Joey Bosa up to go get the quarterback. And again, don’t forget about Williams once he’s healthy.
If the 49ers could land Joey Bosa for $5-6.5 million, it could be worth it. There is also a lot of long-term thinking that will be needed; the 49ers already gave out a few one-year contracts this year, which means they will need to have money ready next year or replacements waiting. Add another one-year deal, and it’s another position to kick the can down the road. At the very least, that would let them focus on the offensive line this year (*cough* Trent Williams successor *cough*)
Do you think Joey Bosa is a no-brainer?
