A number of veteran edge rushers remain unsigned at this time. Joey Bosa is among them, and there have been no indications a deal is imminent in his case.
Questions have again been raised this offseason about the possibility of Bosa playing with his brother Nick in San Francisco. As of late March, though, a 49ers signing was not considered likely. That may very well still be the case, but the elder Bosa appears to not be guaranteed to continue his career with any team in 2026.
“Yeah, I think he’s working on his golf game right now,” Nick said about Joey’s plans for the upcoming season (h/t NFL.com). “I don’t think he’s thinking too much about football.”
Several players who are still free agents this deep into the offseason will no doubt remain on the open market until the onset of training camp in July. Bosa could elect to wait until the summer to sign with a team in advance of what would be an 11th season in the NFL. If his brother’s comments about his current mindset are accurate, however, retirement may be receiving at least some consideration on Joey’s part.
The longtime Chargers sack artist will be 31 by the start of next season. Bosa has battled numerous injuries toward the latter stages of his career, although he made 14 appearances with Los Angeles in 2024 and 15 with Buffalo during this past regular season. He also played in both of the Bills’ playoff contests. Having posted at least five sacks in each of the past three seasons, Bosa could be viewed a worthwhile depth addition for any number of teams seeking a veteran pass rush presence.
Alternatively, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year could weigh the possibility of hanging up his cleats. Bosa has played on two separate contracts averaging at least $20MM per season. In all, he has amassed roughly $156MM in career earnings. It will be interesting to see if Bosa turns his attention toward preparation for the season with a particular team during the summer or if he stays on the open market through to the start of the campaign.
This feels like a midyear signing for a team that’s had injuries, if Bosa is going to play. I’d wager that it would be pretty team dependent if he comes back. I doubt, with what his brother said, that Bosa would grind through a season for the majority of teams. The injuries have hit him hard.
Florida is considered to be a golfers paradise so Bosa would probably prefer to sign with one of the teams based there.
If your the Niners why not try find some kinda middle ground?
Be like yeah we don’t expect you to suit up every game. Your going to be treated as almost end of the bench to start the season and slowly but surely ramp up his work load through the season. Maybe week 14 onwards he starts some games and come playoffs you’ve got this beast of an edge rusher who’s fresh and ready.
Sell him on the fact he plays with his brother, you’re on a strong contender, and San Fran is a great place to live.
If he plans on coming half way through the season or whatever you’re going to have to stay in shape and train on your own anyway. You’re not going to be getting big money for half a season work.
May aswell take what you can now and be happy with your situation
I’ve already told my employer that I’m at the least taking next year off. Least I can do. Working on my golf game and tending to my garden. At some point I’ll contact them and tell them I’m ready to come back or am considering going to a competitor