Chargers insider links Joey Bosa to 49ers

After trading for Chase Young last season, the San Francisco 49ers continue their search to stabilize the edge opposite Nick Bosa along the defensive line. Young is slated to become a free agent. While there was a report that the 49ers have at least some interest in having Young return, that would depend on the pass rusher's market.

Young and Bosa are close friends, so there was instant chemistry when the former Commanders player joined the 49ers locker room. Suppose Young does leave via free agency, and the 49ers are willing to find a way to create sufficient salary cap space. In that case, one Los Angeles Chargers insider can't rule out the possibility of a Bosa brother duo in Santa Clara.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic recently joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game and discussed Joey Bosa. Can he envision him joining his younger brother, Nick, with the 49ers?

"I wouldn't rule it out," Popper said during a conversation on 95.7 The Game, per Vincent Frank of LAFB Network. "At the end of the day, Joey Bosa, he's been pretty public about the fact that he's always wanted to play with his brother. Bosa has a base salary of $15 million this year, $17 million next year. I'm not super fluent in the Niners' cap situation, but that's what you would be taking on for, you know, 24 and 25. So, we'll see."

Right now, the 49ers have little salary cap wiggle room, and they still have contract extension planning to do for Brandon Aiyuk this year and Brock Purdy next year. Of course, we know how important having a stout defensive front is to this regime. Pulling off yet another big move coming off a Super Bowl appearance would show they are gearing up for another run at a championship.

Popper adds, "I think the Chargers should at least listen. And if they're listening, then I think there are a number of places that makes sense for Joey Bosa."

Joey has spent his entire career with the Chargers since being drafted No. 3 overall in 2016. The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher recorded 6.5 sacks during an injury-shortened 2023 campaign that limited him to nine games. While he has only appeared in 14 games over the past two seasons due to multiple injuries, he appeared in 16 in 2021 and recorded 10.5 sacks.