Could a dominant defensive duo form in San Francisco? Imagine Nick and Joey Bosa wreaking havoc together, potentially transforming the 49ers' pass rush.
The San Francisco 49ers are catching plenty of attention this offseason for what they need to add on the defensive side. Many insist the team needs to add an elite pass rusher to contend for a Super Bowl next season.
Several names have been floated including star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. After that rumor died down, some looked to Cleveland Browns all-pro edge rusher Myles Garrett as a logical trade candidate. While the Garrett trade is still a possibility, others are looking to different options to improve the San Francisco pass rush.
Eduardo Razo of Heavy contends that the path to beating the Las Angeles Rams begins at edge rusher. He suggests a name that could excite 49ers fans ahead of the 2026 season. Razo shares that the Niners might consider adding Bills edge rusher Joey Bosa.
"If the 49ers want to edge their rival in Australia, they will need to strengthen their pass rush. Veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa, who spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, has emerged as a potential target. In 2025, Bosa earned a 79.3 overall PFF grade, ranking 17th among 115 qualified edge defenders.
He particularly stood out as a pass rusher, posting an 88.7 grade in that area, while his run-defense grade lagged at 54.6. Over the season, Bosa generated 47 pressures, including five sacks, 12 hits, and 30 hurries. He also contributed 22 solo tackles and forced five fumbles."
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and defensive end Nick Bosa (97) exit the locker room before the first quarter. Joe Nicholson-Imagn ImagesThe Niners already have one Bosa brother in Nick Bosa. Adding Joey would certainly be a move that Nick probably welcomes. The duo both starred in college for the Ohio State Buckeyes before becoming impact players at the NFL level. Having both for the 2026 season would seem to solidify the position and mitigate the loss of the Niners' elite play caller in Robert Saleh.
Saleh's replacement, Raheem Morris, can coach defense at a high level as well. That said, he would not mind having top level personnel in a first year with San Francisco.
The Niners have been on the cusp of a Super Bowl breakthrough for several years with head coach Kyle Shanahan. With rare down years, Shanahan's usual end of season result involves making the postseason and winning when he gets there. Even so, the Niners have had their disappointments to end those postseason trips with a couple of Super Bowl losses during the Shanahan tenure.
Nobody knows if the 49ers are one piece away from breaking through for an elusive sixth Super Bowl title. If they are, adding a second Bosa could be what gets them over the top.