49ers linked to 77-sack DE as free-agent target despite retirement rumors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers are heading towards the 2026 NFL season with one of the best teams in the league. If it weren't for the Los Angeles Rams' superteam and the defensive Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers would be favorites.
But, if the 49ers want to improve their odds, even if only a little, they should be strongly considering adding a veteran defensive lineman this offseason to improve the pass rush rotation even a little bit more.
That's why CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo linked the 49ers to free-agent 77-sack defensive end Joey Bosa as a target. But, there's one issue: Bosa is rumored to be considering retirement, which could make this free-agent link moot if Bosa does retire.
"There are rumblings that the soon-to-be-31-year-old Bosa is considering retirement," DeArdo writes. "If he decides to play an 11th season, Bosa - who led the NFL with fave forced fumbles last season - will likely have several suitors that may include the 49ers, who employ his younger brother."