Nick Bosa is not counting on his older brother Joey Bosa to show up in a San Francisco 49ers uniform anytime soon.
During a recent interview on KNBR, the star defensive end was asked whether the team should keep its phones ready for a possible call from Joey. Nick’s reply was short and clear: “Nah, probably not.”
He went on to suggest that Joey’s current focus does not appear to be an NFL return. The comment carried a light, almost resigned tone, as if the idea of his brother gearing up for another season simply does not match what Nick has seen lately.
The exchange adds to a growing sense that a Bosa family reunion on the 49ers defensive line is unlikely. Fans have floated the idea for months, drawn by the chance to watch two accomplished pass rushers play side by side for the first time since high school.
Joey Bosa, now 30, spent the bulk of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before a one-year stop with the Buffalo Bills in 2025. Injuries, including a torn labrum last season, limited his availability in recent years. He entered free agency this spring and has remained unsigned as training camps open around the league.
Nick had already given a similar read on his brother’s mindset earlier in the offseason. Back in May he noted that Joey seemed more interested in refining his golf game than in football preparations. The latest remarks track with that earlier assessment.
Even if Joey decided he wanted to play again, the 49ers may not be in position to make a deal work. General manager John Lynch addressed the possibility in March and indicated the cost would be too high for the club at the time. The team has carried significant salary-cap space this offseason, yet management has steered clear of a major commitment to the veteran edge rusher.
The brothers last shared a field at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida. Both later starred at Ohio State, though their college careers did not overlap. Nick has spent his entire professional career in San Francisco, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and a massive contract extension along the way.
Joey’s production has been strong when healthy. He has multiple Pro Bowl selections and led the league in forced fumbles during his season in Buffalo. Still, the physical toll of the position and the financial security he has already earned appear to factor into his current approach.
For 49ers fans, the notion of pairing the siblings remains appealing. A healthy Joey could have provided another proven presence opposite Nick and helped deepen the pass rush. Yet the combination of Nick’s comments, Lynch’s earlier stance and the simple passage of time without a signing points in another direction.
As the 49ers continue training camp, attention has shifted toward the players already on the roster. The defensive line will rely on internal development and existing veterans rather than a late addition of the older Bosa.
Nick’s blunt assessment leaves little room for optimism about a reunion this year. Whether Joey eventually signs elsewhere, sits out the season or decides to step away from the game entirely remains his choice. For now, the younger brother is proceeding as if that call is not coming.
