49ers still viewed as ideal landing spot for veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch recently addressed speculation surrounding a potential pursuit of Joey Bosa, noting that he does not believe the team can afford the veteran pass rusher—even amid public support from Bosa's mother for a reunion with her sons.

The 49ers have already made significant financial commitments this offseason, adding key contributors such as Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Dre Greenlaw. The team also reinforced its defensive interior by trading for Osa Odighizuwa.

San Francisco's pass rush struggled in 2025, finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks. While the team is expected to address the edge position in the 2026 NFL Draft, it could still revisit adding Bosa, depending on how the board falls.

Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated continues to view San Francisco as an ideal landing spot for Joey Bosa, the older brother of 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa.

"It's been a month since she (Bosa's mother, Cheryl) posted the edited photo depicting the brothers in 49ers uniforms, but maybe San Francisco is waiting to see whether it lands a top edge rusher in the draft," Manzano wrote. "Also, money could be an issue after the 49ers splurged for wide receiver Mike Evans and took on the contract of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa."

While Joey Bosa has not generated significant interest in free agency, that could shift after the draft—particularly for teams that miss out on top edge-rushing prospects. Whether the 49ers will be among those teams remains uncertain.

"Regardless of whether Joey and Nick reunite in San Francisco, the older Bosa, who turns 31 in July, should receive more interest after the draft," Manzano added. "He picked up his play in the back half of his lone season with the Bills, recording five sacks and five forced fumbles."

Bosa has recorded five sacks in each of the past two seasons and has not reached double-digit sacks since 2021—though injuries have factored into some of the dip in production.

Meanwhile, Nick Bosa is working his way back from an ACL injury but appears on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.