
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers need a spark after a season where their pass rush went cold, and the solution might just be a family affair. One day after the new league year officially kicked off, Cheryl Bosa—mother of superstars Nick and Joey Bosa—sent the internet into a tailspin by sharing an image of both sons decked out in 49ers gear on her Instagram story.
Joey Bosa hits the open market at a perfect time for a San Francisco squad desperate for help on the edge. The elder Bosa just wrapped a productive one-year campaign with the Buffalo Bills, where he proved he still has plenty of juice. He finished 2025 with 29 tackles, five sacks, and 16 quarterback hits. Most impressively, he led the entire NFL with five forced fumbles, showing a knack for the ball that the 49ers lacked during their disappointing 2025 run.
The timing of the post isn’t a coincidence. The 49ers’ defense bottomed out last year, recording a league-low 20 sacks. With Bryce Huff recently announcing his retirement and Mykel Williams still working his way back from a torn ACL, the cupboard in Santa Clara is thin. Adding a five-time Pro Bowler with 77 career sacks would immediately fix the depth chart.
Nick Bosa is also on the mend. After a Week 3 ACL tear derailed his 2025 season, the younger Bosa is reportedly on track for training camp. On Saturday, the 49ers restructured his contract to clear $17.17 million in cap space. That extra cash could be the exact amount needed to bring Joey home and satisfy the Bosa matriarch’s wishes.
“Race you to the quarterback. That’s always been the dream, right? We’ve pushed each other since we were kids in the backyard. If the stars align, it would be something the league isn’t ready for.”
— Joey Bosa, discussing the potential of playing with Nick
San Francisco’s championship window depends entirely on its ability to harass quarterbacks. Last season, the lack of pressure forced the secondary to hold up too long, leading to a frustrating early exit from the postseason race. Bringing in Joey doesn’t just add a name; it adds a tactical nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. Teams can double-team Nick, but they can’t double-team both brothers without leaving the middle wide open.
Expect GM John Lynch to move fast. With several AFC contenders reportedly sniffing around Joey’s camp, the 49ers have the unique “family discount” leverage and a clear path to a starting role. If this deal gets done, the NFC West should officially be on notice. The 2026 season could very well become the Year of the Bosa.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!