The Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly cut nine-year veteran edge defender and former first-round pick Joey Bosa. Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowler, spent his entire career with the franchise.
BREAKING: The #Chargers are releasing pass-rusher Joey Bosa after seven seasons. The move saves $25.3M in salary cap space. pic.twitter.com/8iXM48GQxX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 6, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers Cut Joey Bosa – Could Land With 4 Teams
There was a time when Joey Bosa was one of the league’s best pass rushers. A top-three pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product began his career with a dominant 10-sack rookie season and only improved from there. Making the Pro Bowl four times in the next five seasons, Bosa was one of the most consistent players on an otherwise inconsistent defense.
Unfortunately, the injury bug bit Bosa and limited him to a combined 14 games in 2022 and 2023. When he returned to the field in 2024, he couldn’t match his pre-injury production. Now looking for a new home for the first time in his career, several teams should be willing to roll the dice on the veteran.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
The 2024 Carolina Panthers proved that the team has the right quarterback and head coach in place for sustained success. Now, it’s time for the team to address the defensive side of the ball. Carolina never found a proper replacement for edge defender Brian Burns, and the lack of talent along the defensive line is a big reason the team ranked at or near the bottom of just about every defensive statistic. Joey Bosa is not the player he was, but the recently cut Charger would likely be the best pass rusher on the team. If nothing else, he can be an adequate short-term option who can help develop whoever the Panthers add in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations. While the offense improved after first-round pick Michael Penix replaced Kirk Cousins, the defense couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain. The Matthew Judon trade was a disaster, and the former Pro Bowler probably won’t return in 2025. While Atlanta will probably draft a pass rusher or two, they should still consider signing Joey Bosa and seeing if he can recapture his old form.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs edge defenders could use an upgrade. Former first-round pick George Karlaftis came alive in the playoffs, but he’s usually nothing more than a slightly above-average starter. Former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah looks like a bust and the Josh Uche trade did not go according to plan. After the Chargers officially cut Joey Bosa, he might come cheap to the Chiefs, which is what this team needs. The organization has limited cap space and could sign the veteran pass rusher to a one-year, incentive-laden contract.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders made it to the NFC Championship Game with a rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels and a roster that went 4-13 one season earlier. Now, they have the opportunity to win it all with a more experienced Jayden Daniels and over $82 million in cap space. Joey Bosa shouldn’t be the only addition to this roster, but he’d be a great signing to put more pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – Imagn Images
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