Los Angeles Chargers edge defender Joey Bosa is one of the best players in franchise history, but the former superstar may have played his last game with the team. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product immediately stood out as one of the best players on the team. Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with a 10-sack inaugural season, Bosa made four Pro Bowls in his first six years while earning a massive $135 million extension.
Unfortunately, the injury bug bit Bosa hard, limiting him to a combined 14 games in 2022 and 2023. While he played 14 games in 2024, the veteran pass rusher didn’t look like his old self, recording just five sacks and 13 quarterback hits while on the field. Joey Bosa is still a good player, but he’s not providing the superstar production the Chargers are paying for. Los Angeles can save a staggering $25.4 million in cap space by cutting him, and it’s hard to say no to that kind of savings.
The Chargers already have plenty of cap space, but they’ll need most of that money to rebuild this roster. Khalil Mack is contemplating retirement, and Los Angeles could use some of Bosa’s savings to give him a large short-term deal and bring him back. Meanwhile, the offense needs at least two more wide receivers, including a big-money investment like Tee Higgins. Joey Bosa might not have a future with the Chargers, but he should land on his feet if and when the team cuts him.
Chargers Could Cut Joey Bosa – Panthers, Chiefs Top Destinations
The first year of the Dave Canales Era was a massive success. While the 5-12 record won’t impress anyone, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator successfully built an environment that brought out the best in former first-overall pick Bryce Young. Surrounded by a great offensive line and talented young playmakers, the Alabama product played like a franchise quarterback down the stretch. With the future bright on the offensive side of the ball, it’s time for the team to fix the defense.
This unit was probably the worst in football last year, and Joey Bosa wouldn’t singlehandedly fix the entire unit. However, edge rusher is probably the biggest need, and the present-day version of Bosa would still be the best pass rusher on the team. Carolina never found a true replacement for Brian Burns, and pairing Bosa with star defensive tackle Derrick Brown and fellow edge defenders D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney could give Carolina an adequate defensive line.
Jumping in the Division
One team’s trash is another team’s treasure, and the Chiefs could use a player like Joey Bosa on their roster. While the team went 15-2 during the regular season and finished with the top seed in the NFL, they should improve their pass rush. Defensive tackle Chris Jones is still one of the best in the game, finishing the year with five sacks and an elite 89.7 grade. However, he can’t do it alone, and he’s not getting enough help from his edge defenders.
Veterans George Karlaftis and Mike Danna are fine starters, but they’re nothing special. 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah, meanwhile, has yet to shed the ‘bust’ label. Perhaps he can break out in Year 3, but the Chiefs shouldn’t bank on it. Seeing Joey Bosa on the Chiefs after so much time with the Chargers would be weird, but the fit is too good to deny. The present-day version of Bosa should start for this team and he could help power the organization to another title if he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
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