The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move to bolster their defensive line by signing former Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract. This agreement was finalized on Tuesday night, marking a new chapter for Bosa after his release from the Chargers last Wednesday. The Bills aim to leverage Bosa's proven track record and experience as they gear up for the upcoming NFL season.
Joey Bosa, who was picked third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, quickly made his mark in the league by earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in his debut season, he set an NFL record by amassing 19 sacks within his first 20 games. Over his career, Bosa has recorded 72 sacks, ranking him second in Chargers history behind Leslie O'Neal's 105.5 sacks. His career stats include 343 tackles, 157 quarterback hits, 87 tackles for loss, 17 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries over 107 regular-season games.
Despite his impressive performance on the field, Bosa's career has been marred by injuries. Nonetheless, he managed to secure a spot in five Pro Bowls, the most recent being in 2024 as an alternate. In 2020, the Chargers rewarded him with a five-year, $135 million contract extension, which was the richest deal ever for a defensive player at the time. However, as injuries began to take their toll, the Chargers decided to part ways with their longest-tenured player.
The Bills have been active this offseason, making strategic moves to strengthen their roster. In addition to Bosa, Buffalo has signed outside free agents such as wide receiver Joshua Palmer and former Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Hoecht, who agreed to a three-year deal on Monday. The team has also secured extensions with key players like Greg Rousseau, Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and quarterback Josh Allen, who received a historic $250 million guaranteed contract.
By adding Bosa to their defensive lineup, the Bills aim to create a formidable front alongside newly extended Greg Rousseau. This move is part of Buffalo's broader strategy to enhance their cap room and prepare for future seasons while remaining competitive in the present.
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