Former No. 3 overall NFL draft pick Joey Bosa is more likely to retire than play again, according to ESPN analyst Adam Schefter. Bosa, 30, remains an unsigned free agent after spending last season with the Buffalo Bills.
Schefter stated on his podcast that while a scenario involving joining his brother, Nick Bosa, on the San Francisco 49ers could entice Bosa to return, such a move seems improbable. "I think if the Niners wanted to pair those two together, it probably would have happened already," Schefter said. "I think if Joey Bosa wanted to play football, it probably would have happened already."
Bosa entered the league as a highly touted defensive prospect when selected by the Chargers in the 2016 NFL Draft. He established himself as a key pass rusher for the team, but injuries have impacted his performance in recent years. After recording 10.5 sacks in 2021, his sack total has not exceeded 6.5 in subsequent seasons. He played 15 games for the Bills in 2025, registering five sacks.
Nick Bosa, who is two years younger, recently indicated that his brother has not been focused on football, mentioning Bosa has been playing golf instead. Both brothers played collegiately at Ohio State and are sons of former NFL defensive end John Bosa. Nick Bosa is expected to be ready for the 49ers' training camp following knee surgery.