Joey Bosa's illustrious tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers came to an end on Wednesday night, as the team released the Pro Bowl edge rusher. Selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Bosa quickly established himself as one of the league's premier defensive players. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for both Bosa and the Chargers.
Bosa's impact was immediate and profound. In his rookie year, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. His remarkable start set an NFL record with 19 sacks in his first 20 games, underscoring his prowess as an edge rusher. Over his first six seasons, Bosa was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, solidifying his reputation as one of football's elite defenders.
In 2020, the Chargers recognized Bosa's immense value by signing him to a five-year, $135 million contract extension. This deal made history as the richest contract for a defensive player at that time, reflecting Bosa's crucial role within the team's defense. Despite this, injuries limited his appearances over the past few seasons, with Bosa playing in just 28 games since 2021.
Despite these setbacks, Bosa continued to demonstrate his skill on the field. In 2023, he played 14 games, marking his highest participation since 2021. His perseverance paid off when he was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl in 2024, albeit as an alternate. During the Chargers' playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January, Bosa registered a team-high six pressures and one sack, showcasing his enduring talent and determination.
Throughout his career with the Chargers, Bosa accumulated 72 regular-season sacks, ranking him second in franchise history behind Leslie O'Neal. Despite taking a pay cut last offseason to remain with the team, Bosa ultimately found himself released from the roster as the Chargers opted to part ways with their longest-tenured player.
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