Joey Bosa’s Surprising Release: A New Chapter for the Chargers and Their Star Linebacker
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, the Los Angeles Chargers have decided to part ways with one of their most iconic players, Joey Bosa. The announcement came on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday night, but the implications are anything but ordinary. Bosa, who has been a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense, is now a free agent, and the decision to release him is as much about financial strategy as it is about the future of the team.
For those who have followed Bosa’s career, this news might come as a surprise. Drafted by the Chargers with the No. 3 pick in the 2016 draft, Bosa quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. His 72 career sacks in the regular season place him second in franchise history, trailing only the legendary Leslie O’Neal, who holds the record with 105.5 sacks. Bosa’s impact was immediate; he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, thanks to his impressive 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
Over the years, Bosa has been a consistent performer, earning four Pro Bowl selections in his first six seasons. He even set an NFL record by recording 19 sacks in his first 20 games. In 2020, the Chargers recognized his value by offering him a five-year, $135 million contract extension, which at the time was the richest deal for a defensive player in NFL history. However, the past few seasons have been marred by injuries, limiting Bosa to just 28 games over the last three years.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa’s talent has never been in question. In 2024, he was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl, albeit as an alternate, and played 14 games, his most since 2021. His performance in the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans was a testament to his enduring skill, as he led the team with six pressures and one sack.
Financial considerations played a significant role in the Chargers’ decision to release Bosa. By cutting ties with him, the team saves $25.36 million in cap space. Bosa was projected to have a $36.4 million cap hit this season, a figure that was deemed untenable for the Chargers. Despite his willingness to take a pay cut last offseason to remain with the team, the financial realities could not be ignored.
Now, Bosa faces the prospect of free agency for the first time in his career. Earlier in the offseason, he expressed interest in the possibility of playing alongside his younger brother, Nick Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher with the San Francisco 49ers. “It’d be cool at some point,” Bosa said. “I always thought of myself being somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think it would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know.”
- Joey Bosa’s Career Highlights:
- Drafted No. 3 overall by the Chargers in 2016
- 72 career sacks, second in franchise history
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016
- Four Pro Bowl selections in first six seasons
- Set NFL record with 19 sacks in first 20 games
As Bosa navigates this new chapter, the NFL community will be watching closely. Will he join forces with his brother in San Francisco, or will another team seize the opportunity to add a proven pass rusher to their roster? One thing is certain: Joey Bosa’s journey is far from over, and his next move will be one of the most anticipated in the league.
Originally Written by: Kris Rhim
