Imagine the San Francisco 49ers not only bolstering their pass rush but also reuniting two brothers on the field—a move that could redefine their defensive strategy. But here's where it gets controversial: could Joey Bosa, the seasoned edge rusher, take a pay cut to join his brother Nick in San Francisco? Let’s dive into the latest predictions and explore why this offseason could be a game-changer for the 49ers.
As the NFL gears up for the 2026 free agency period, Fox Sports has released its updated top-100 free agents list, featuring notable names like Tyreek Hill. Among them, 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings sits at No. 18, with predictions leaning toward him re-signing with the team. However, the real buzz surrounds the 49ers’ potential defensive upgrades, particularly in their pass rush department.
After a lackluster pass-rushing performance last season, the 49ers are projected to sign two impactful free agents. The first is Arnold Ebiketie, a 27-year-old edge rusher who found himself on the sidelines in Atlanta after the Falcons drafted two rookie edge rushers in 2025. Despite a dip in production—just two sacks in 2025 compared to 12 in 2023-24—Ebiketie’s 24 pressures last season would have made him one of the 49ers’ most productive pass rushers. His 16.4 pressure rate suggests he could thrive in a fresh start, possibly following former Falcons coach Raheem Morris to San Francisco. A one-year deal in the $6-8 million range could be the perfect reset for Ebiketie, allowing him to rebuild his value for 2027.
And this is the part most people miss: Ebiketie’s potential addition isn’t just about numbers; it’s about depth. The 49ers’ pass rush last season relied heavily on players like Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos, who, while serviceable, didn’t provide the relentless pressure needed to dominate. Adding Ebiketie would reintroduce the wave-after-wave approach that once defined the 49ers’ defense, giving Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams time to recover from their season-ending injuries.
Now, let’s talk about the bold prediction that has fans buzzing: Joey Bosa, the 30-year-old edge rusher from the Bills, could join his brother Nick in San Francisco. Joey’s first season in Buffalo was underwhelming by his standards—just five sacks—but he led the NFL with five forced fumbles. His 52 pressures and 10 tackles for loss are nothing to scoff at, though his production dipped late in the season due to injuries. A hamstring injury in Week 14 saw his pressure rate plummet from 17.5% (8th-highest in the league) in the first half to 6.3% in the second half.
Here’s the controversial question: Would Joey Bosa accept a pay cut to play alongside his brother and chase a Super Bowl? With Buffalo over the cap and potentially looking to go younger, the 49ers could offer him a chance to make a meaningful postseason push—something he’s rarely experienced in his 10-year career. A deal similar to his $12.6 million contract from last year might be out of reach, but a slightly reduced salary could be worth it for the opportunity to reunite with Nick and compete for a championship.
The 49ers’ priority this offseason is clear: rebuild their pass rush into the dominant force it once was. While Ebiketie and Joey Bosa may not be the flashiest names, their additions would provide much-needed depth and experience. But here’s the real question for you: Would you be on board with these signings, or do you think the 49ers should aim for bigger names? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
