The Los Angeles Chargers officially announced the release of five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Joey Bosa on Wednesday night. This significant move comes as Bosa was set to receive a roster bonus exceeding $12 million next week. By making this decision now, the Chargers aim to save approximately $25.36 million in salary cap space, which is crucial for their future roster moves.
Drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Bosa has been a pivotal player for the Chargers, recording five or more sacks in eight of his nine seasons with the team. At just 29 years old, he was named the 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year and holds an impressive record of 72 career sacks, ranking second in franchise history behind Leslie O'Neal's 105.5 sacks.
Despite his accolades, Bosa has faced significant challenges with injuries since signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in 2020. In the last three seasons, he missed a total of 23 games and managed to record only 14 sacks. In the 2024 season, he played 14 games—his most since 2021—totaling 22 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. His absence was felt as the AFC West franchise attempted to compensate with the addition of Khalil Mack, who is approaching free agency next week, alongside Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree.
The Chargers concluded the regular season with an 11-6 record but were unable to advance past the wild-card round of the playoffs, falling short against the Texans. As Jim Harbaugh enters his second season as head coach, the organization finds itself with ample salary cap space, exceeding $65 million. This financial flexibility may allow for strategic acquisitions to bolster the team.
With the release of Joey Bosa, the Chargers are now looking to address their needs in the upcoming offseason. They are currently positioned to pick No. 22 overall in the April draft, where edge rusher has become a top priority. As Bosa enters free agency for the first time in his career, speculation abounds regarding potential landing spots, including the San Francisco 49ers, who top the list of seven teams interested in acquiring the talented pass rusher.
The release of Joey Bosa marks a significant turning point for the Los Angeles Chargers as they navigate their future strategy and roster construction. With a focus on enhancing their defense and maintaining financial flexibility, the Chargers are poised for an intriguing offseason ahead.
