The San Francisco 49ers had another successful season under head coach Kyle Shanahan, finishing the year with a record of 12-5. This marks four double-digit win seasons in the last five years.
The team once again fell short of winning the Super Bowl, losing to the Seattle Seahawks 41-6 in the divisional round after previously defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. The 49ers' defense struggled throughout the season, particularly after losing star linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa for much of the year.
They ranked No. 20 in total yards allowed, No. 25 in passing yards allowed, No. 11 in rushing yards allowed and No. 13 in points allowed. Bosa and Warner played in only nine games combined last season. However, help may be on the way through free agency. Fox Sports' Greg Auman predicts that San Francisco will sign Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa's brother, who has accumulated 77 sacks in his 10-year career.
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"Bosa, 30, had only five sacks in a healthy first season in Buffalo, but he did lead the NFL with five forced fumbles," Auman wrote. "He should get a deal similar to the $12.6 million he got a year ago. With two playoff wins in 10 years in the league, might he consider taking less to join his brother Nick with the 49ers and try to make a meaningful postseason push? Buffalo is over the cap as it is, so it might look to go younger rather than bringing Bosa back."
The effect of adding Joey would be felt most along the defensive front. San Francisco’s pass rush suffered when Nick and Fred Warner were sidelined, and the unit’s inconsistency showed in its 41–6 playoff loss to Seattle. Pairing the Bosa brothers would not only provide depth insurance but could restore the disruptive edge presence that has defined the 49ers’ defense during their recent run of success. Even after a five-sack season in Buffalo, Joey's league-leading five forced fumbles highlight his ability to create game-changing plays.
From a broader standpoint, the 49ers remain firmly in a championship window under Shanahan. However, postseason shortcomings have become a recurring theme. Historically, teams in this position often double down on defensive reinforcements to avoid wasting elite offensive years. If Joey commands a contract similar to last year’s $12.6 million deal, it could be a calculated, short-term investment aimed squarely at maximizing a Super Bowl push while key stars remain in their prime.
Looking ahead, free agency will reveal whether the Bosa reunion becomes a reality. If it does, the storyline will dominate offseason headlines as San Francisco prepares for training camp and the 2026 opener. A healthy, reinforced defense could be the difference between another strong regular season and finally breaking through for a championship.