The San Francisco 49ers addressed several positions of need this offseason. But they could add more proven depth to a young defensive line that recorded the least amount of sacks in the NFL last season.
ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen listed the best team fit for 14 free agents. Bowen named 5-time Pro Bowler defensive end Joey Bosa as a perfect fit for the 49ers.
How Joey Bosa Could Boost the 49ers’ Pass Rush
Bosa would add to a young defensive front that struggled to get to the quarterback last season. The 10-year NFL veteran has 79 career sacks, 77 in the regular season and 2 in the playoffs. However, the defensive lineman has failed to reach the double-digit sack mark in the past four seasons. Bosa recorded 5 sacks in 15 games with the Bills last year.
Bowen describes Bosa’s fit with the 49ers: “He would provide quality depth for a 49ers’ pass rush that ranked last in pressure rate (24.9%) and total sacks (20) in 2025. And why not have some fun and put him next to his brother, Nick?”
Even though the elder Bosa is an obvious fit for the 49ers, he remains one of the NFL’s top free agents.
GettySan Francisco 49ers star DE Nick Bosa is coming off his second ACL injury
49ers Invest Heavily In Defensive Line
The 49ers addressed their defensive front in the last two NFL Drafts. San Francisco used its 2025 first-round pick on Georgia DE Mykel Williams. The rookie defensive lineman was stout in the run game but only recorded 1 sack in 9 games before suffering a season-ending torn ACL.
San Francisco also drafted DTs Alfred Collins and CJ West in the second and fourth rounds last season. Both Collins and West played meaningful snaps. But both combined for 2 sacks.
The 49ers again emphasized the defensive line position in the 2026 offseason. They traded their third-round, 92nd overall pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for DT Osa Odighizuwa. The 27-year-old should help the 49ers’ pass rush from the interior part of the defensive line. Odighizuwa has 17 career sacks in 5 seasons with the Cowboys.
San Francisco also selected Texas Tech DE Romello Height with their third-round, 70th overall pick to help strengthen their pass rush. The 6-foot-3-inch, 239-pound defensive lineman had a breakout season for the Red Raiders, where he recorded 10 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. The 49ers could look to use him in obvious passing-down situations.
GettyFormer San Francisco 49ers DE Bryce Huff
49ers Lose Sack Leader To Retirement
DE Bryce Huff announced his retirement at 27-years-old this offseason, citing a desire to focus on life after football and long-term health. Huff signed a two-year, $8 million contract last offseason and was a key contributor to the 49ers’ defense in his one year in San Francisco.
After All-Pro Nick Bosa and first-round rookie Mykel Williams suffered season-ending injuries, Huff became the primary pass rusher. Huff and Clelin Ferrell were tied as the 49ers’ sack leaders in 2025 with 4 each.
49ers Pegged as Perfect Fit for Former 79-Sack Game-Wrecker