Joey Bosa, the stalwart defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers, will no longer don the team’s blue and gold jersey. The Chargers announced Bosa‘s release, a move that saves the team $25.36 million and boosts their salary cap space to $90.6 million ahead of free agency. This decision comes amid concerns over Bosa’s $36.5 million cap hit for 2025, which was deemed unjustifiable given his recent struggles to remain on the field.
Bosa's tenure with the Chargers began with high expectations when they selected him as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. His impact was immediate; he set an NFL record with 19 sacks in his first 20 games and earned the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year that same season with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. However, recent seasons have been marked by injuries and limited playing time.
The 2024 season saw Bosa leading the Chargers with 8.5 sacks despite playing more than 40 snaps just five times, including in the postseason. His performance in the playoff loss to the Houston Texans was a testament to his talent, leading the team with six pressures and a sack. Yet, he played only 49.6% of the Chargers' regular-season defensive snaps last year—his lowest ever—due to a persistent gluteal strain that affected his sciatic nerve.
Bosa expressed frustration over his injuries, stating:
"I feel like I've been letting my team down by missing these games," – Joey Bosa
His absence was felt as he missed several games, only returning in Week 8 against the Saints. In that game, he was limited to just 18 snaps and struggled to regain full fitness for much of the remainder of the season.
Despite these challenges, Bosa's contribution to the Chargers cannot be overstated. He exits as the franchise's longest-tenured player and ranks second in their history with 72 career sacks, only trailing Leslie O'Neal's record of 105.5 sacks. His last game as a Charger epitomized his blend of skill and determination, even as his physical limitations became apparent.
Bosa's career has been a mixture of peaks and valleys. In 2023, he managed five sacks in 14 games, a dip from his 6.5 sacks in just nine games the previous year. Nevertheless, his ability to pressure quarterbacks has never been in doubt, often leading his team in defensive contributions.
Reflecting on his future and his time with the Chargers, Bosa remarked:
"I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]," – Joey Bosa
These sentiments highlight Bosa's commitment to his teammates and desire for success on the field—a legacy that will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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