The San Francisco 49ers will be linked to any defensive lineman who is perceived to be available on the market. That goes from Kayvon Thibodeaux to Alex Highsmith to Jalen Carter, and Maxx Crosby.
One of the most popular names that’s been tied to the Niners this offseason is Nick Bosa’s brother, Joey. In late May, Nick said his brother is thinking more about his golf game than the NFL. On his recent podcast, ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared an update about Joey:
“It’s more likely than not that Joey Bosa has played his last NFL down. Now again, could a situation like the 40ers come along that entices him enough to come out and play again? Yeah, absolutely. We saw it happen last year with Philip Rivers. So you never know when a player is fully done and when he’s not done.
But the fact of the matter is, I think if the Niners wanted to pair those two together, it probably would have happened already. I think if Joey Bosa wanted to play football, it probably would have happened already.
And I think he’s perfectly content to sit on the sideline, with all the money he’s made, and not have to go to training camp, not have to put himself into a situation that he doesn’t want to be in, and be highly selective to choose an opportunity to play again — and that’s even if he does that, which I would guess there’s a real chance he doesn’t.”
Bosa turns 31 in July. Last year was the first time he appeared in double-digit games since 2021. The 49ers would pursue an edge rusher if Nick or Mykel Williams are behind the 8-ball on their rehab.
Some believe Mykel begins the season on the PUP list. If that were the case, a player like Jadeveon Clowney — who is no spring chicken himself at 33 — would make more sense as a replacement for Williams. Clowney has long been a stout run defender, but has shown the ability to consistently get after the quarterback every year, even as he’s eclipsed 30.
Clowney is one option. If the door is closed on Bosa, the 49ers have plenty of options. And don’t forget about Romello Height, who would lose reps or playing time if the Niners were to add another pass rusher.
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