But one glaring need remains unaddressed.
Edge rusher is the most pressing hole on San Francisco's roster, and it is not particularly close. Bryce Huff unexpectedly retired before the season. Nick Bosa is still working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 campaign in Week 3. Mykel Williams is also returning from a significant knee injury.
The 49ers need pass rush help right now, and the cap move they made in mid-March strongly suggests they know it.
San Francisco restructured Nick Bosa's contract, converting $21.4 million of his salary into a signing bonus and clearing $17.172 million in 2026 cap space.
The Joey Bosa Connection
Joey Bosa was at or near the top of a group of available pass rushers that also includes Haason Reddick, Dante Fowler, A.J. Epenesa, and Leonard Floyd.
None of those other names carry the upside or the resume that Bosa does, and none of them come with the built-in familiarity of playing alongside the best defensive end on the roster.
Nick Bosa allowed himself to consider the possibility of reuniting with his brother last offseason, acknowledging he got his hopes up after a conversation with an unnamed NFL power broker before Joey ultimately signed with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal that paid him $13.2 million.
That deal is now expired.
🚨 The #49ers reportely earlier this offseason spoke to former #Bills DE Joey Bosa and could not get a deal done due to the financials of the contract.
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 26, 2026
The Niners have cleared cap space now and can make Bosa a more lucrative offer, who said he would not take a discount to play… pic.twitter.com/1uGqJxUxBP
Joey Bosa is a free agent again, and the 49ers have structured their offseason finances in a way that makes pursuing him possible.
Between the league's $20.6 million cap adjustment from 2025 and the $17.172 million created by Nick Bosa's restructure, San Francisco suddenly has breathing room for 2026.
Joey Bosa is expected to command a market value of around $13.7 million per year, which sits comfortably within what the 49ers have created without forcing them to make additional moves elsewhere on the roster.
Why the Fit Works
With edge rusher Bryce Huff retiring, the 49ers have both snaps and pressure production to replace. A veteran pass rusher, especially one with a proven resume, can stabilize early downs, shorten third downs, and reduce the burden on the rest of the front seven.
Joey Bosa started all 15 games he appeared in for the Bills last season and remains a legitimate starting-caliber pass rusher at 30 years old.
Pairing him with a returning Nick Bosa, even in a rotational or bridge role while Nick works his way back to full health, gives San Francisco something no other available free agent can offer at the position.
The 49ers are interested in Bosa, and they have set themselves up financially to at least make his addition feasible.
Predicting notable free agent landing spots.
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) April 11, 2026
Tyreek Hill → Chiefs
Stefon Diggs → Dolphins
Deebo Samuel → Patriots
Aaron Rodgers → Steelers
David Njoku → Broncos
Joey Bosa → 49ers
Jauan Jennings → Falcons
Trevon Diggs → Packers
Taylor Decker → Ravens
Russell Wilson →… pic.twitter.com/LyR3Nhho3Y
Kyle Shanahan has made clear this franchise is not pivoting away from its championship window.
The Evans signing, the Greenlaw reunion, and the Odighizuwa trade all point to a front office that believes this roster, with the right additions, can compete for a Super Bowl still.
Adding Joey Bosa to a defensive line that will eventually feature Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams healthy and at full strength would make San Francisco's front four one of the most feared units in the NFC.
Photo Credit: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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