NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit Lions Emerge as Top Suitor for Bills DE Joey Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers are unlikely to pursue adding defensive end Joey Bosa, the brother of their star Nick Bosa, to their franchise roster. If they had any interest, they would have already made a move. This development has dashed the hopes of the Bosa brothers' mother, Cheryl, who envisioned a family reunion on the field. Consequently, several other NFL franchises are now predicted to target the Buffalo Bills' defensive end, with one team ranking highest in speculation: the Jared Goff-led Detroit Lions.
Analysts Predict Perfect Fit for Lions Defense
NFL Network analyst Nick Shook reports that Joey Bosa could be the ideal edge rusher to pair opposite Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit. Shook insists the Lions should consider this opportunity as long as the financial terms are affordable. Bosa earned $13.2 million in 2025, starting the season with exceptional performance before a decline towards the end, which may reduce his earning power for 2026.
At 30 years old, Bosa is considered in veteran mercenary territory. He has demonstrated over the past two seasons that injuries are not a major concern, though Shook believes they could potentially follow him. If Bosa is willing to accept slightly less than what his representation deems he deserves, he might find a suitable home with Hutchinson's Lions, benefiting both the player and the franchise.
Lions' Defensive Strategy and Bosa's Potential Role
Detroit recently acquired productive veteran D.J. Wonnum from the Carolina Panthers, and their in-house edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, will command significant attention from opponents. This dynamic could make it less taxing for Bosa to integrate into the team. The Sporting News' Billy Heyen notes that while the Lions have Hutchinson, discussions about team needs consistently highlight the desire for a strong partner for their star defensive end. An available free agent like Joey Bosa could address this gap.
Having a talented pass rusher like Bosa alongside Hutchinson would likely make the Lions' defensive end happy, as it would enhance the overall defense while still allowing Hutchinson to shine. Touchdown Wire's Josh Petry adds that Bosa's performance dip in 2025, despite earning $13 million, means he could be acquired at a lower cost, presenting a calculated risk for Detroit if they hope for improvement.
Bosa's Performance and Contract Projections
TWSN's Matt Lewin reports that adding more players around Detroit's edge could create more opportunities for dominance under head coach Dan Campbell. Bosa served as a consistent rotational piece for the Bills, averaging 36.3 snaps per game throughout the year, a role that aligns with Campbell's defensive strategy. He retains the ability to quickly get off the defensive line and disrupt the backfield at a high level.
Bosa has made the Pro Bowl five times, most recently in 2024. In 2025, he recorded 29 total tackles, five sacks, nine tackles for loss, and five passes defended over 15 games for Josh Allen's team. According to Spotrac, he is projected to sign a two-year, $27 million contract, with an average annual salary of $13.7 million. His total career earnings over 10 years amount to $156 million.
Uncertain Future Amid Growing Speculation
With numerous analysts projecting a move to Detroit, the question remains: will the Lions sign Joey Bosa? Only time will tell as trade rumors continue to swirl. This potential acquisition could significantly impact the Lions' defensive capabilities and their prospects in upcoming seasons.
