Report: 49ers to gain nearly $7M in 2026 salary cap relief after Nick Bosa injury

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a crushing blow this week when star defensive end Nick Bosa sustained a season-ending ACL injury. The All-Pro defender will eventually land on injured reserve, forcing the 49ers to push forward without one of their defensive cornerstones and the best player along their defensive front.

According to ESPN's Kalyn Kahler, San Francisco will receive significant financial relief because of the setback.

"The 49ers will get almost $7 million in salary cap relief in 2026 because of their insurance policy for a season-ending injury, a source told ESPN's Kalyn Kahler," wrote Nick Wagoner.

Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million contract extension ahead of the 2023 season. It included $122.5 million guaranteed.

While the injury ends Bosa's 2025 campaign, there is at least a small silver lining. Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared that no further structural damage was found.

"I was told it was as clean as it gets," Shanahan said Monday. "So, in terms of if you have an ACL, I was told that it was the kind that you want."

To address depth concerns, the 49ers worked out three pass rushers on Tuesday: William Bradley-King, Titus Leo, and Isaiah Thomas. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that San Francisco is signing Bradley-King to the practice squad, with the move expected to become official on Wednesday ahead of the team's first practice of the week.

The 49ers will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, aiming to remain undefeated despite losing one of their defensive leaders.