It's looking like the 49ers may not be able to acquire Myles Garrett or Joey Bosa this offseason after all.
The San Francisco 49ers' ears must have perked up earlier this offseason when Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett publicly requested a trade.
Acquiring Garrett would be expensive. Thirty-one other teams would also wisely compete for the perennial All-Pro's talent, only driving up Cleveland's asking price and potentially out of the Niners' comfort range.
That said, envisioning a defensive line comprised of both Garrett and fellow All-Pro Nick Bosa would be a dream scenario for San Francisco entering 2025.
If that couldn't happen, though, the 49ers potentially had a contingency plan, one that'd involve reuniting Bosa with his older brother, defensive end Joey Bosa, whose own tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers seemed very much in doubt.
The elder Bosa playing alongside his younger brother would, too, be a sweet idea. Especially with Joey Bosa coming off a bounce-back campaign in 2024 following what had been two frustrating injury-riddled seasons.
Alas, though, it appears as if neither scenario will play out this offseason.
Myles Garrett, Joey Bosa both appear to be staying put this offseason
Garrett is a generational talent. Despite the Browns' own issues, it makes sense why they'd want to retain him.
That's precisely what Cleveland's general manager Andrew Berry said from the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
"Our stance really has not changed,” Berry told reporters when asked about Garrett's future. "We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as part of this organization is best for the Browns."
Of course, this could be teamspeak, an effort to drive up the asking price across the league.
But there's also a potential element of truth to it, too.
Likewise, it doesn't sound as if the Bolts are planning on moving Bosa either.
Also speaking from the combine, L.A.'s general manager, Joe Hortiz, didn't make it sound as if Bosa was going anywhere this offseason, either via a trade or as a cap casualty.
"I know he wants to retire a Charger," Hortiz indicated. "I'd love for him to retire a Charger. I love Joey -- the teammate, the competitor."
Again, as is the case with Garrett, Hortiz could be using the opportunity to drum up interest in trading for Bosa, especially if Los Angeles' plan involves parting ways with him regardless. The Chargers getting something back in return while saving more than $25 million in cap space would be ideal, and most teams shy away from revealing their true intentions during the offseason anyway.
However, if one is to take words as truth, it seems as if neither star defender will be potentially available to the Niners this offseason.
They'll have to explore other options.
