The San Francisco 49ers are desperate to get back to their winning ways in 2025 after being one of the most disappointing teams in the league last year. GM John Lynch has been keeping busy this offseason, even before free agency officially kicked off. The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel last week and are expected to be active on the trade market going forward. Jordan Mason and Brandon Aiyuk are considered to be potentially available via trade over the next few weeks.
While departures have generally dominated the airwaves in San Francisco, there is now an opportunity to make a big splash in free agency. The Los Angeles Chargers released star defensive end Joey Bosa on Wednesday night, and the 49ers are expected to be the frontrunners to sign him.
From @GMFB: It was a consequential day for top edge rushers, as #Chargers DE Joey Bosa was released and #Raiders DE Maxx Crosby got paid. pic.twitter.com/TPlAwcgiWq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
49ers Expected to Be Frontrunners to Sign DE Joey Bosa
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported in his segment on Good Morning Football that the 49ers are a team to watch in the Joey Bosa sweepstakes. This makes plenty of sense for everyone involved.
The Chargers understandably chose to save around $25 million in 2025 cap space by cutting Bosa. While the 29-year-old is not the dominant force he was earlier in his career, he still had a solid season in 2024. He was generally healthy, playing in 14 games and recording five sacks, 13 QB hits, and five tackles for loss. This performance earned him his fifth Pro Bowl honors.
There has long been speculation about reuniting the Bosa brothers in San Francisco. In fact, Joey and Nick's mother, Cheryl, recently posted an edited photo of them in a 49ers jersey on social media.
The 49ers had Leonard Floyd line up opposite Bosa last season, and he wasn't able to live up to expectations. The veteran pass-rusher finished with a career-low 53.5 grade on PFF. Even with his injury history, Bosa would be an immediate upgrade over Floyd and the other options the 49ers have available.