49ers Projected to Target Free Agent Joey Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers could sign Joey Bosa to bolster a defense missing an injured Nick Bosa.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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NFL analyst Alex Kay projects the San Francisco 49ers will target free agent Joey Bosa to bolster their pass rush. The move would address a need for pressure as Nick Bosa remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Why it matters
San Francisco is looking to improve its defensive production as Nick Bosa faces an extended absence. Joey Bosa offers experienced depth to help maintain defensive pressure through the second half of the 2026 season.
In 15 games last season, Joey Bosa recorded 5 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, and 5 forced fumbles. The 31-year-old is currently an unsigned free agent.
The players
Joey Bosa
He is an experienced NFL pass rusher and current free agent who last played for the Buffalo Bills.
Nick Bosa
He is a defensive star for the San Francisco 49ers who has been sidelined with a calf injury.
San Francisco 49ers
They are a professional football team in the NFL currently seeking to improve their defensive pass rush.
Buffalo Bills
They are an NFL franchise that previously employed Joey Bosa and recently signed Tre'Davious White.
Tre'Davious White
He is an NFL player who was recently signed to the practice squad by the Buffalo Bills.
The details
Joey Bosa last played for the Buffalo Bills and could serve as a vital rotational piece for San Francisco. The team has totaled 15 sacks this season but needs reinforcements while Nick Bosa recovers from a calf injury sustained in Week 2.
Timeline
Nick Bosa has been dealing with a calf injury since Week 2 of 2026.
The Buffalo Bills signed Tre'Davious White to their practice squad on October 19, 2026.
Season Trajectory
A successful pursuit of Joey Bosa would reunite the siblings for the first time since 2012, providing an immediate boost to San Francisco's defensive rotation. This move would be critical for stabilizing the 49ers' pass rush during the back half of the 2026 season.
If signed, Bosa would immediately impact the 49ers' rotation to replace the missing production from Nick Bosa's 15-sack season pacing. The addition would shift the team's defensive depth chart for the remainder of the 2026 schedule.
The takeaway
Adding a veteran like Joey Bosa provides a low-risk, high-reward option for teams struggling with injuries on the defensive line. Fans should look for roster updates as the team assesses depth options for the final stretch of the season.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves, visit the San Francisco Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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