Chargers Reporter Daniel Popper: 'Wouldn't rule out' Bosa brothers joining forces for 49ers

Could Joey Bosa join Nick Bosa in Santa Clara? Apparently, it's not too far-fetched.

Daniel Popper, The Athletic's senior writer covering the Chargers, said Tuesday with Steiny and Guru that the possibility should not be discounted.

"If you're the Chargers, you'd have to at least listen to offers trade wise," Popper said of Bosa and Khalil Mack. He did point out that new head coach Jim Harbaugh will want to win immediately.

"I wouldn't rule it out," Popper said. "At the end of the day, Joey Bosa he's been pretty public about the fact that he's always wanted to play with his brother. Bosa has a base salary of $15 million this year, $17 million next year. I'm not super fluent in the Niners' cap situation, but that's what you would be taking on for you know, 24 and 25. So, we'll see. I think the Chargers should at least listen. And if they're listening then I think there are a number of places that makes sense for Joey Bosa."

It's no secret that Joey Bosa, who has attended some of Nick's playoff games, is a fan of the 49ers organization.

But his injury history, having dealt with foot, hamstring and groin injuries, as well as concussions, especially has caused the elder Bosa to miss 18 of a possible 34 games over the last two years, accruing 8.5 sacks over 16 games.

That injury history, coupled with a monstrous contract, has always made any reunion difficult and unlikely.

But the Chargers have a new head coach in Harbaugh and GM in Joe Hortiz. They may want to start from scratch, and Joey Bosa can be cut to save $14.88 million this season, though a $7 million roster bonus is due March 16.

A trade would save the same amount, and cost an acquiring team $15 million in base salary this season, though the Chargers could take on some of that money, depending on the compensation coming the other way.