Joey Bosa’s Future: After an Up-and-Down Year in Buffalo, Where Could He Land Next?
When the Buffalo Bills signed Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million deal last offseason, it was a headline-grabbing move that signaled the team’s win-now mindset. Early in the year, it looked like money well spent.
Bosa came out firing, tying a franchise record for most forced fumbles in a season and consistently collapsing the pocket with his trademark edge pressure. He was disruptive, relentless, and looked every bit the difference-maker Buffalo hoped he’d be.
But as the season wore on, that impact started to fade.
Opposing offenses began to find ways to neutralize Bosa. He struggled to contain the edge, occasionally getting washed inside and leaving the door open for quarterbacks to escape the pocket and extend plays - sometimes for first downs, sometimes for six.
The splash plays were still there, but the consistency wasn’t. And in a league where every snap matters, that decline didn’t go unnoticed.
Now, with Bosa set to hit free agency again, the question becomes: what’s next?
Buffalo’s cap situation is tight, and unless Bosa is willing to take a significant pay cut, it’s hard to see a second act with the Bills. That opens the door for a potential third team in his NFL journey - and there are a few intriguing possibilities.
San Francisco 49ers: The Bosa Brothers Reunion?
This one practically writes itself. When Bosa was released by the Chargers last offseason, there was plenty of buzz around the idea of him teaming up with his younger brother, Nick, in San Francisco.
That pairing would’ve been a nightmare for offensive coordinators - two Bosa brothers coming off the edge in the same scheme? Good luck with that.
The 49ers were reportedly in the mix before Bosa chose Buffalo, and depending on how their own cap situation shakes out, they could circle back. San Francisco has never shied away from adding firepower to an already stacked defense, and the chance to unite the Bosa brothers could be too tempting to pass up.
Baltimore Ravens: A Fit in a Fierce Defense
Bosa got an up-close look at Baltimore’s physicality back in Week 1, when the Ravens ran wild on Buffalo. If he’s looking to stay on a contender with a defensive identity, Baltimore makes a lot of sense.
The Ravens have long been known for their defensive toughness, and pairing Bosa with their front seven could give them another weapon off the edge. With Lamar Jackson leading the offense, Baltimore is firmly in win-now mode, and adding a veteran like Bosa could help them chase that elusive Super Bowl return.
Philadelphia Eagles: Another Howie Roseman Special?
If there’s one GM who loves adding proven talent to an already deep roster, it’s Howie Roseman. The Eagles don’t always make moves based on need - they make them based on value. And Bosa could be the next veteran to join Philly’s defensive front.
With young studs like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis anchoring the middle, Bosa could slot in as a rotational edge rusher with the experience and playmaking ability to thrive in a loaded unit. The Eagles could use a boost to their outside pass rush, and Bosa fits the mold of the kind of player Roseman loves to take a chance on.
Cincinnati Bengals: A Defense in Need of Help
Let’s call it like it is - Cincinnati’s defense took a step back this year. They’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure, and there’s a chance Trey Hendrickson has played his last down in stripes. Enter Joey Bosa.
No, Bosa isn’t a one-man solution to the Bengals’ defensive woes, but he could be part of the answer. With Joe Burrow and a high-powered offense on the other side of the ball, Cincinnati needs to find a way to get stops. Bosa brings pedigree, production, and a veteran presence to a unit that needs all three.
Miami Dolphins: A Family Ties Reboot?
The Dolphins were in the mix for Bosa last offseason, and there’s a reason for that. His father, John Bosa, played for the franchise in the late ‘80s, and Miami showed real interest in bringing Joey into the fold before he chose Buffalo.
Now? They might get another shot.
Miami’s cap situation is tricky, and they’d need to get creative to make room, but the interest has already been there. If they can clear the space, Bosa could be a compelling addition to a defense that thrives on speed and aggression. South Beach wouldn’t be a bad landing spot for a veteran looking for one more impact run.
The Bottom Line
Joey Bosa’s 2025 season was a tale of two halves - dominant early, inconsistent late. But even with the dip in performance, he remains one of the more intriguing names on the 2026 free agent market. He’s a proven pass rusher with a knack for creating turnovers, and there’s always a market for that kind of talent.
Whether he’s chasing a ring, reuniting with family, or looking for a fresh start, Bosa’s next move will be one to watch. He may not be the same player who once terrorized quarterbacks on a weekly basis, but he’s still got gas in the tank - and in the right system, he could make a big impact all over again.