Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher Declares He Wants to Play for 49ers

A little over a week past the 2026 NFL draft, there's still plenty of quality free agents left on the market.

Former Baltimore Ravens edge-rusher Kyle Van Noy is among that group, and as he looks for his next employer, the 35-year-old edge-rusher revealed which team he'd like to play for in 2026.

"I want to throw out a team that a lot of people may not know (that I want to play for) because who cares at this point?" Van Noy stated during an appearance on "Up & Adams." "I'd really like to play with my little brother Fred Warner with the (49ers) - I think that they got something cooking over there.

"I know they love Joey Bosa, right, because of Nick - and I get that - but I'd love to play with my little brother. That's like my guy, and I think they got something cooking over there."

Van Noy didn't have the most productive season last year - he logged 27 pressures, 17 hurries, eight QB hits, 20 tackles, two sacks, and an interception, per Pro Football Focus - but he's just one year removed from recording a career-high 12.5 sacks.

And if there's a team that could use Van Noy's services, it's the 49ers.

San Francisco ranked last in the NFL in sacks (20), and only Clelin Ferrell, who's a free agent, and Bryce Huff, who's since retired, had more than three sacks (both had four). Additionally, only Huff (46) and Sam Okuayinonu (31) had more than 24 pressures last season.

Getting a healthy Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back will help. Both suffered season-ending injuries in the middle of last season. But the edge-rusher depth beyond those two leaves much to be desired.

Cam Sample, Romello Height, and Keion White are all expected to contribute, but none of the three are double-digit sackers, whereas Van Noy has already shown he's capable of producing sacks in bunches when given the chance.

There's also a chance the 49ers are gearing up to make a run at Joe Bosa, Nick's brother. If they do, the chances they'd also sign Van Noy drop drastically. But if a player like Warner vouches for Van Noy, it's possible the Pro Bowler could find himself as part of San Francisco's pass-rush rotation.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 1:01 PM.