The buzz around Joey Bosa potentially joining the San Francisco 49ers is capturing fans' imaginations. Picture this: two star edge-rushing brothers on the same team.
It's the kind of storyline that sells jerseys and dominates social media. But when we strip away the feel-good narrative, the reality paints a different picture for the 49ers.
Evaluating Performance Over Name Recognition
Joey Bosa remains a respected figure in the NFL, known for his prowess on the field. However, his performance has shifted from dominant to solid.
His sack totals, once a hallmark of his career, have dipped from 10.5 in 2021 to just five in 2025. While he still offers valuable snaps, his days as a game-wrecking force seem to be behind him.
Injury Woes
Bosa's career has been marred by injuries, ranging from concussions to groin tears. Over the past few years, his availability has been inconsistent:
- 2022: 5 games
- 2023: 9 games
- 2024: 14 games
- 2025: 15 games
For a team like the 49ers, investing in a player with such a history could be risky. They need reliability, not just a big name on the roster.
Financial Considerations
Bosa's recent contract with the Buffalo Bills was significant-one year at $12.61 million, with $12 million guaranteed. Even a short-term deal with the 49ers would be costly.
The team has other pressing needs, including bolstering their secondary, strengthening the offensive line, and adding offensive weapons. An emotional reunion with his brother Nick may not align with the team's financial strategy.
Long-Term Strategy
Signing Bosa might provide a temporary boost, but it doesn’t address the 49ers' long-term needs. The team must focus on getting younger and planning for the future at the edge-rusher position. Bosa would be a stopgap, not a solution.
Beyond the Headlines
Brotherly matchups make for compelling stories-remember the Harbaugh brothers in the Super Bowl or the Manning duels. But nostalgia doesn’t win championships. The 49ers need to prioritize their future, and while the idea of the Bosa brothers uniting is enticing, it may not be the strategic move San Francisco needs to make.