NFL
Joey Bosa Next Team Odds: 49ers Favorites to Land DE to Play With Brother Nick, Bears Also in the Hunt

Joey Bosa, one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers when healthy, is officially a free agent after the Los Angeles Chargers cut him loose. The move saved the Chargers $25.36 million in cap space, but it also sent a five-time Pro Bowler with 72 career sacks into an early free-agency frenzy. At 29, Bosa’s tantalizing talent is tempered by an injury history that’s seen him play just 28 games over the past three seasons. Now, as teams gear up for the official start of free agency, the question looms: where will Joey Bosa land next?
Joey Bosa Next Team Odds
Based on team needs, cap space, and Joey’s fit, here’s where the SportsCasting oddmakers see him heading, with probabilities and odds.
Team | Probability (%) | Odds |
---|---|---|
San Francisco 49ers | 33.3 | +200 |
Chicago Bears | 20 | +400 |
Green Bay Packers | 15.4 | +550 |
Philadelphia Eagles | 15.4 | +550 |
Detroit Lions | 10 | +900 |
Now, let’s dive into why these teams are in the mix—and what might hold them back.
49ers Favorites to Land Joey Bosa to Play With Brother Nick
The 49ers are the favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. Imagine Joey Bosa lining up opposite his brother Nick, terrorizing quarterbacks as a family affair. Joey’s hinted at the appeal—once sporting a 49ers jersey in a childhood pic his mom recently posted on Instagram. After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, San Francisco’s pass rush needs a boost beyond Nick, who still draws double teams. With $31 million in cap space, they can afford Joey, especially if he takes a hometown discount to chase a ring. The 4-3 scheme fits him like a glove.
Challenge: Injuries. The 49ers might balk at his recent track record, opting for a short-term, incentive-laden deal to hedge their bets.
Bears Could Pair Bosa With Sweat in 2025
The Bears are screaming for pass-rush help. Montez Sweat’s 5.5 sacks led the team in 2024, but Chicago still ranked 16th in total sacks (40). With over $50 million in cap space, GM Ryan Poles could pair Bosa with Sweat, giving Caleb Williams a defense to lean on as the Bears push for the playoffs. Bosa’s a natural fit in their scheme, and his veteran presence could mentor young edges like Austin Booker.
Challenge: Poles might prefer a cheaper, younger option in the draft (they pick No. 9), and Bosa’s $18-22 million projected price tag could clash with offensive line priorities.
Packers Back in for Joey Bosa?
Green Bay’s been sniffing around Bosa before—trade rumors swirled in February about a fourth-round pick swap. The Packers’ pass rush was middling in 2024 (40 sacks, 17th in the NFL), and Rashan Gary could use a running mate. With $30.5 million in cap space and an 11-6 contender, they’re a sexy landing spot for a win-now vet like Bosa.
Challenge: GM Brian Gutekunst might lean toward developing Lukas Van Ness or saving cash for free agents elsewhere, and Bosa’s injury risk could scare off a team that’s thrived on calculated moves.
Eagles & Lions in the Hunt for Bosa
The Eagles pass rush needs juice with Brandon Graham possibly retiring and Josh Sweat hitting free agency. Bosa could slide into Vic Fangio’s 4-3, giving Jalen Hurts’ squad a defensive jolt. Philly’s got over $20 million in cap space and a GM, Howie Roseman, who loves big names.
Challenge: Re-signing Sweat or drafting a rookie might be cheaper, and Bosa’s cost could squeeze a roster with holes in the secondary.
The Lions were a juggernaut in 2024 (15-2), but Aidan Hutchinson’s injury exposed their pass-rush depth. Bosa could join Hutchinson in 2025, fortifying a 4-3 defense built on aggression. With $50 million in cap space and a Super Bowl window wide open, Detroit’s a dark horse.
Challenge: Hutchinson’s return might limit Bosa’s role, and the Lions could opt for a budget-friendly rotational piece instead of a pricey vet.
Commentary
“Joey Bosa’s release feels like a turning point—not just for him, but for the Chargers’ new direction under Jim Harbaugh,” says SportsCasting’s Head of News, Nick Raffoul. “The 49ers are the sexy pick because of the Nick-Joey reunion, but don’t sleep on teams like the Bears or Packers.
“Chicago’s got the cash and a defense begging for another alpha, while Green Bay’s been circling Bosa for months. What’s fascinating here is how much Joey’s health and his willingness to take a discount will dictate this. If he’s chasing legacy over money, San Francisco’s the spot—but if he wants a fresh start with a contender, the NFC North’s calling his name.”
Wherever Bosa lands, his next deal—likely a short-term, prove-it contract—will hinge on teams balancing his All-Pro upside with those nagging injury concerns. Free agency kicks off next week, so stay tuned.