When you think of Joey Bosa, the first thing that comes to mind is his disruptive presence on the field. Though he’s not a free agent yet, his situation is stirring buzz around the league, especially given that he’s being labeled a potential “cap casualty” for the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason. Bosa faced a rough start to the 2024 campaign, wrestling with injuries that hampered his performance. The Chargers are reportedly looking at ways to save a hefty $25 million, which could mean moving on from either Bosa or fellow edge rush specialist Khalil Mack.
Now, why should the San Francisco 49ers seriously consider making a play for Bosa? Let’s break it down.
The Case for a Bosa Trade
If the 49ers decide to take the plunge, they could wind up with one of the more elite pass rushers in the league. The proposal on the table suggests that the 49ers could acquire Bosa in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. For the Chargers, this would be a smart financial move as they offload a substantial contract while still netting a solid draft pick.
Bosa’s Current Contract Situation
Right now, Bosa isn’t a free agent, but he will be come the 2026 offseason. His cap hit for 2025 stands at an eye-watering $36,470,000, making the timing of a potential trade critical for both parties. If the Chargers were to pull the trigger before June 1st, they could save a significant slice of that cap hit—around $25,360,000—allowing them to invest elsewhere on their roster.
Family Ties and Team Fit
A Bosa-to-San Francisco trade isn’t just logical from a financial standpoint; it also has a personal angle, considering Joey’s brother, Nick Bosa, is already a mainstay on the 49ers’ defense. With Nick locked in for another four seasons, having both siblings on the same team could create a formidable brotherly duo.
Currently, the 49ers roster features only two other pass rushers, Yetur Gross-Matos and Leonard Floyd. While Floyd had a strong season with 11 sacks, he is 32 years old and both he and Gross-Matos are entering the final stages of their contracts. Securing Joey Bosa and potentially extending him for another two years could solidify the pass rush for the next few seasons.
Looking at the Stats
In 2024, Bosa played 14 games, accumulating 5 sacks, along with 2 forced fumbles. His grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF)—61.1 overall and 64.5 in pass rush—illustrate a player who, despite the challenges of injuries, still possesses the talent to impact games.
Caution Ahead: The Cost of a Trade
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The 49ers currently boast $51 million in cap space, but a fresh extension for quarterback Brock Purdy looms large on the horizon. Reports suggest that Purdy’s new deal could exceed $40 million per year, adding urgency to the 49ers’ financial strategy. Taking on Bosa’s sizable contract might stretch their cap playability too thin.
Additionally, this year’s draft class is brimming with potential edge rushers. With the 11th overall pick, the 49ers could grab someone like Shemar Stewart or James Pearce Jr., or explore the wealth of talent available in the second round. The depth of talent at this position could encourage the 49ers to keep their options open rather than committing valuable cap space to another big contract.
Conclusion
In summary, while the intrigue surrounding a potential trade for Joey Bosa is palpable, the 49ers must weigh the benefits against the financial ramifications and the available talent in the draft. The combination of a possible brotherly duo on the defensive line, paired with the opportunity to save cap space, makes it a compelling discussion. As the offseason unfolds, you can’t help but feel that the Bosa storyline will remain one to watch closely.
