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The absence of defensive end Nick Bosa had a devastating impact on the San Francisco 49ers defense last season. With the team's premier pass rusher sidelined by a torn ACL, the defense managed just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL.
The 49ers attempted to bolster their pass rush this offseason by selecting Romello Height in the third round of the NFL Draft. However, the defense's success in 2026 will hinge largely on Bosa returning to his dominant form—as he did in 2021 (15.5 sacks), after returning from his last ACL injury.
The Athletic's Vic Tafur recently identified Bosa as the 49ers player with the most at stake entering the 2026 season.
"Bosa is coming off his third knee surgery — and the second ACL injury to the same knee — and is being asked to carry the 49ers' pass rush while mentoring young players Mykel Williams and Romello Height," Tafur wrote. "It seems like the 49ers will still add a veteran edge player to help Bosa (after Bryce Huff suddenly retired)."
Offseason speculation has linked the 49ers to several veteran pass rushers, including Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa, and Kyle Van Noy, as potential additions to strengthen the defensive front.
"The return of Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle from injuries is a big reason this team has Super Bowl aspirations," Tafur continued.
A healthy and productive Bosa would be a major boost for a defense that struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season. But beyond helping the 49ers return to contention, Bosa also has plenty riding on his individual performance.
"Bosa, who turns 29 in October, is also going to need a new contract after this season, as the five-year deal he signed in 2023 has a $54.9 million salary-cap hit in 2027," Tafur wrote. "If Bosa can show that he is still one of the best speed-to-power rushers in the NFL, the 49ers will be in for a successful season and Bosa in for another huge payday."
The defensive lineman is under contract through the 2028 season but carries massive salary-cap hits in the final two years of his deal. A strong performance in 2026 could motivate the 49ers to negotiate an extension, lowering those cap charges while ensuring Bosa remains among the NFL's highest-paid pass rushers.
Before suffering his season-ending injury, Bosa totaled 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in three games. Entering his eighth NFL season, he has recorded 64.5 career sacks, ranking fifth in 49ers franchise history.
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