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49ers Want Joey Bosa, Cap Limits Release Him

6/25/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Adam Schefter said Joey Bosa is playing last NFL down while his brother Nick Bosa said he is focusing on golf.
John Lynch says the 49ers cannot afford Joey Bosa despite a $71 million cap space, even though head coach Kyle Shanahan wants him.
Joey Bosa, 31, was released in 2024 after nine Chargers seasons, posted five sacks and five forced fumbles in 15 Bills games, and finished with 77 sacks.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL adopted its first hard salary cap, set at $34.6 million after a lucrative TV deal raised the original $33.8 million estimate. The cap forced teams like the 1999 Ravens to restructure contracts, exemplified by Ray Lewis’s $12 million deal. In 2024 the 49ers, citing $71 million of cap space, released veteran Joey Bosa, showing how the same fiscal pressure still shapes roster moves.

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Story summary

Adam Schefter said Joey Bosa is playing last NFL down while his brother Nick Bosa said he is focusing on golf.
John Lynch says the 49ers cannot afford Joey Bosa despite a $71 million cap space, even though head coach Kyle Shanahan wants him.
Joey Bosa, 31, was released in 2024 after nine Chargers seasons, posted five sacks and five forced fumbles in 15 Bills games, and finished with 77 sacks.

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