The NFL is a league of opportunity, and for Joey Bosa, his release from the Los Angeles Chargers presents a rare chance to take his career to new heights. After eight seasons in Southern California, Bosa now has the freedom to choose his next destination. If there’s one move that makes sense for both him and the team involved, it’s a reunion with his brother, Nick Bosa, on the San Francisco 49ers. Not only would this create one of the most dominant defensive duos in the NFL, but it would also benefit both the player and the team in multiple ways.
The Bosa brothers would be the dream dynamic duo
The idea of Joey and Nick Bosa playing together isn’t just a fantasy for fans—it’s something that has been on their minds as well. Earlier this offseason, Joey acknowledged that he had thought about the possibility of teaming up with his younger brother.
“It’d be cool at some point,” Joey said. “I always thought of myself being somebody that will play [for the Chargers] and retire here, but you never know.”
Now, that opportunity is here. The two have never played on the same team at the collegiate or professional level, despite following similar paths through St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Ohio State. This might be their best—and possibly last—chance to finally make it happen in the NFL.
Since entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, Nick Bosa has become a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense. His relentless pass-rushing ability, coupled with his elite technique, has made him one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Now, imagine pairing him with his older brother, Joey Bosa, who brings a similar pedigree and skillset to the table. The two could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, creating a nightmare scenario for offensive coordinators across the league.
The 49ers have been searching for a consistent edge rusher to complement Nick for years. While they have had success with players like Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, and Chase Young in various roles, none have provided a long-term solution. Joey Bosa, even with his recent injury concerns, still has the ability to be a dominant force when healthy. A defensive front featuring both Bosa brothers, along with Armstead and Javon Hargrave, could instantly transform San Francisco’s pass rush into the most feared in the league.
The Robert Saleh factor
The 49ers recently re-hired Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator, a move that could play a crucial role in making Joey Bosa’s transition to San Francisco seamless. Saleh’s aggressive defensive scheme helped Nick Bosa thrive early in his career, and there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t do the same for Joey.
Under Saleh’s leadership, the 49ers’ defense was one of the most dominant in the league from 2019 to 2020. His familiarity with Nick, as well as his ability to maximize the talent of his defensive linemen, could help Joey rediscover his peak form. Saleh’s system relies heavily on a relentless pass rush, and adding Joey to the mix would provide an immediate boost to an already formidable unit.
One of the biggest advantages of Joey’s release is that the 49ers won’t have to trade assets to acquire him. Unlike some other top-tier pass rushers on the market, he is available as a free agent, which means San Francisco can negotiate a deal that fits within their salary cap constraints.
The Chargers’ decision to release Bosa was largely driven by financial concerns, as they saved $25.36 million in cap space by cutting him. The 49ers, who currently have around $50 million in cap space, are in a prime position to make a move. Given his injury history, Joey may not command the same massive contract he once did, making him an affordable but high-upside signing for San Francisco.
Additionally, the 49ers have other key financial decisions to make, including potential extensions for Brandon Aiyuk and Javon Kinlaw. Signing Joey Bosa to a short-term, incentive-laden deal could allow the team to address its needs without compromising its long-term flexibility.
A championship-caliber move
For Joey Bosa, joining the 49ers isn’t just about teaming up with his brother—it’s about winning. The Chargers, despite his individual success, have been inconsistent as a franchise, making only two playoff appearances during his tenure. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been perennial Super Bowl contenders, reaching the NFC Championship Game in three of the past four seasons.
Adding Joey to an already elite defense would further solidify the 49ers’ standing as one of the best teams in the NFL. With Brock Purdy leading an efficient offense and a stacked defense capable of shutting down any opponent, San Francisco would enter the 2025 season as legitimate Super Bowl favorites.
Bringing Joey Bosa to San Francisco would send a powerful message to the 49ers Faithful: the organization is committed to building a championship-caliber roster. The idea of the Bosa brothers dominating the edge together is one that fans have dreamed about for years, and now that dream can become a reality.
If the 49ers are serious about taking their defense to the next level, they need to make this move. Joey Bosa has the talent, experience, and motivation to be a game-changer in San Francisco. And with his brother by his side, there’s no telling just how dominant the 49ers’ defense could become. The opportunity is here. It’s time for Joey Bosa to reunite with Nick and make history with the San Francisco 49ers.
The post Why Joey Bosa needs to reunite with brother Nick on 49ers after release appeared first on ClutchPoints.
