49ers linked to 77-sack DE as free-agent target despite retirement rumors

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are heading towards the 2026 NFL season with one of the best teams in the league. If it weren't for the Los Angeles Rams' superteam and the defensive Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers would be favorites.

But, if the 49ers want to improve their odds, even if only a little, they should be strongly considering adding a veteran defensive lineman this offseason to improve the pass rush rotation even a little bit more.

That's why CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo linked the 49ers to free-agent 77-sack defensive end Joey Bosa as a target. But, there's one issue: Bosa is rumored to be considering retirement, which could make this free-agent link moot if Bosa does retire.

49ers linked to Joey Bosa despite retirement rumors

"There are rumblings that the soon-to-be-31-year-old Bosa is considering retirement," DeArdo writes. "If he decides to play an 11th season, Bosa - who led the NFL with fave forced fumbles last season - will likely have several suitors that may include the 49ers, who employ his younger brother."

While Bosa could decide to return to the Los Angeles Chargers or the Buffalo Bills, or give it one more go with a completely unfamiliar team, the 49ers make a ton of sense as a final landing spot for the veteran defensive end.

From the 49ers' perspective, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are coming off injuries last season, and it would make a lot of sense for the team to add some more veteran depth to the pass-rushing group.

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Of course, the connection between Bosa brothers might be a big help in convincing the older brother to Nick Bosa to stay in the NFL, and come to the 49ers, for one final season.

San Francisco really needs more help in the pass-rushing department, and pairing the Bosa brothers together would make a lot of sense.

If these retirement rumors are real, then the 49ers will have to change plans. But if there's a chance Bosa could come to the team, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch should try to bring him in as a key defensive addition this offseason.

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