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49ers' John Lynch weighs in on Joey Bosa interest

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 3:19 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, providing insight into the team's potential interest in pass rusher Joey Bosa.

The 49ers defense totaled just 20 sacks last season, the fewest in the NFL by a wide margin. Naturally, speculation has swirled about adding Joey Bosa—the older brother of star pass rusher Nick Bosa—which would create intriguing storylines coming out of Santa Clara.

However, Lynch tempered expectations, suggesting that Joey Bosa may be beyond the team's budget.

"I know Mama Bosa would love that, but I don't know if we can afford him," Lynch told reporters.

John Lynch on adding Joey Bosa: "I know Mama Bosa would love that, but I don't know if we can afford him."— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 29, 2026

The Bosa brothers' mother, Cheryl Bosa, has been vocal about wanting Joey reunited with Nick, even during Joey's tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers. She has frequently urged the 49ers to bring him in, envisioning a dominant sibling duo anchoring San Francisco's defensive front.

Looking ahead, the 49ers are widely expected to add at least one pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nick Bosa, coming off an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season, is expected to be ready for 2026.

As for Joey Bosa, the 31-year-old free agent started 15 games in 2025, his most since 2021, recording 29 tackles (nine for loss), 16 quarterback hits, five sacks, five forced fumbles, and two passes defensed, boosting his career sack total to 77.

While a reunion with the Bosa brothers would be compelling, salary considerations may prevent it from happening this year.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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