Joey Bosa, Five-Time Pro Bowler, No Longer Playing for Chargers After 9 Seasons

Career of Joey Bosa with the Los Angeles Chargers is officially over after nine seasons, 107 games, and 72 sacks. On Wednesday, the organization announced his release, parting ways with the five-time Pro Bowl player in order to free up $25.36 million in salary cap space. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, the decision was made just one week before Bosa was scheduled to receive a $12.36 million roster bonus.

Joey Bosa, the final player on the roster prior to the San Diego Chargers’ move to Los Angeles, was selected third overall by the team in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Chargers are now looking to restructure their roster as they enter free agency with almost $91 million in cap space.

It had been possible for Bosa to leave last offseason, but he and Khalil Mack renegotiated their contracts to stay. Bosa’s departure has left Mack’s future uncertain as he gets closer to free agency.

Bosa, 29, is still uncertain of his future plans, but a transfer north to San Francisco, where he could rejoin his younger brother, Nick Bosa, on the 49ers, is an intriguing prospect. This is one of the top edge rusher’s multiple possible landing spots, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Bosa’s release was long expected, even if he remained with the Chargers through the 2024 campaign. He has struggled with injuries lately, playing in just 28 games over the last three seasons because of persistent problems with his foot, groin, and back. He is still among the league’s best pass rushers in spite of this issues.

While the Chargers made a comeback to the playoffs under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, Bosa played in nine games last season and recorded 22 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Young pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, who led the team with 8.5 sacks, is expected to have a bigger role after his departure.

Bosa ends his career with the Chargers as the team’s second-highest sack total (72), only surpassed by Leslie O’Neal (105.5). His final game was the team’s loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, when he recorded his final sack. He was instrumental in the team’s three playoff appearances.

Bosa will now enter free agency, but the major question is still where the former Chargers star will end up.