The Los Angeles Chargers have formally released veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa, bringing an end to his nine-year stint with the team. The decision, made Wednesday evening, enables Bosa to become a free agent prior to the 2025 NFL season. By releasing him, the Chargers saved $25.36 million against their salary cap, a significant financial move as they seek to rebuild their roster.
Bosa’s release was long overdue given his colossal $36.4 million cap charge for the next season. Though still an effective pass rusher, injury issues have dogged him for his entire career. Over the last three years, he started a mere 18 games and with his large price tag, it became very challenging for the Chargers to make him stick at that kind of money.
Despite taking a pay cut to stay with the team last year, the financial burden of his contract ultimately led to his departure. With the Chargers in a rebuilding phase under new leadership, the decision to part ways with Bosa was a strategic move to free up cap space and invest in younger talent.
Bosa’s Legacy with the Chargers
Joey Bosa leaves a great legacy in Los Angeles. Drafted third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, he became an elite pass rusher instantly, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after registering 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss as a rookie. In his nine-year Chargers career, Bosa had 343 total tackles, 72 sacks, 87 tackles for loss, and 17 forced fumbles.
His 72 sacks are second in franchise history, and he was the quickest Chargers player to achieve 50 career sacks, doing so in only 67 games. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was generally considered to be one of the league’s top edge rushers at his peak.
Aside from statistics, Bosa was the foundation of the Chargers defense. He offered leadership and was a force on the field when he was healthy. His problems with injuries—ranging from concussions to foot problems and soft tissue complaints—kept him from being the best he could be on a consistent basis.
Bosa was also the most veteran player on the Chargers roster prior to being released. His departure signals the close of an era for the defense of the team and an impending change in direction toward a younger, less cap-strapped roster.
What’s Next for Bosa?
At only 29 years old (becoming 30 in July), Bosa has plenty left in his tank, and with or without the history of injury, he is going to be a hot ticket item in free agency. Those teams who lack a proven pass rusher will probably show intense interest in signing him.
His skill at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks is still an asset, and if he can remain healthy, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the proper organization. One potential destination could be the San Francisco 49ers, where his younger brother, Nick Bosa, is already an All-Pro pass rusher. A reunion between the Bosa brothers could create one of the most dangerous defensive duos in the league. However, other teams with strong Super Bowl aspirations, such as the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, or Dallas Cowboys, may also consider pursuing him.
Bosa’s subsequent contract will then be up to whether he can accept taking a short-term, incentive-filled deal that factors in his concern about injuries. If he is able to demonstrate his durability, then he can secure a wealthy multi-year contract with a contender.
As the 2025 league season draws near, everyone will be watching Joey Bosa to learn where he is headed next. Whether he winds up on a Super Bowl-type team or prefers a clean slate elsewhere, whatever he does next will be one of the more compelling storylines of the spring.
