The Los Angeles Chargers have released defensive end Joey Bosa in a cap-cutting move, per a report by ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter. In parting ways with Bosa, the Chargers save $25.36 million against the 2025 salary cap.
Bosa, who turns 30 in July, will now enter free agency for the first time in his NFL career. His nine-year NFL career has been spent exclusively with the Chargers after being drafted third overall by the then-San Diego Chargers during the 2016 NFL Draft.
In nine seasons with the Chargers, the 6’5”, 280-pound Bosa racked up 343 tackles (252 solo), 87 tackles for loss, 156 quarterback hits, 72 sacks, three pass defenses, 17 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He earned The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, and was voted to the Pro Bowl five times between 2017 and 2024 (all stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference).
Bosa made a solid return to action in 2024 after missing a combined 19 games due to injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Those injuries (grade 3 groin tear, grade 1 pedal foot sprain) made Bosa a marked man in terms of injury risk with DraftSharks — yet he didn’t miss a game last season.
Given the recent injury history and his inability to remain on the field in recent seasons prior to 2024, Bosa’s stats belie the truth that Bosa likely has plenty left to give another NFL team. He’s a specimen as a pass rusher, standing 6’5” and 280 pounds.
Los Angeles saying goodbye to Bosa is a somber reminder that the salary cap is real. But one team’s misfortune sometimes becomes another team’s benefit. While Bosa could elect to return to LA on a new free-agent contract, it’s more likely he looks to cash in once more with a new team (especially if you consider his farewell tweet).
Pay close attention to the clips of Bosa engaged withBuffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and left tackle Dion Dawkins.
Does that put Joey Bosa in conversation to join the Bills? General manager Brandon Beane likely feels the sting from what became of Von Miller’s signing with Buffalo. Though Miller is under contract, the 36-year old Super Bowl MVP could become a cap casualty in his own right.
That said, Bills Mafia well understands Beane’s penchant for checking into quality football players. The Bills must improve its pass rush, which extends beyond traditional sack numbers. Getting to the quarterback and disrupting timing, rhythm, and processing all enhance a defense’s ability to stifle or decimate their opponent.
Bosa may not have an impressive recent sack repertoire (just 14 between 2022-2024), but his presence as a proven disruptor keeps an offensive line on its heels. Buffalo of course still has Miller (on a snap count), plus Greg Rousseau, and A.J. Epenesa as its starting defensive ends, but none of them alone compare to Bosa.
We’ll find out in the coming days just how many teams are interested in Bosa, and where his value lies at this point in his career. A perennial contender like the Bills could interest Bosa, but the numbers have to work for both sides. The Chargers had just signed Bosa to a two-year, $40.4 million contract last offseason that included $15 million guaranteed.
The biggest concern with Bosa at this point is likely about durability. The situation with Miller may give Beane and Buffalo’s front office significant pause in pursuing a premiere pass rusher set to turn 30. None of that may factor in here if Bosa is interested in reclaiming the near-$30 million he was set to make in 2025.
Despite all that, it’s difficult not to get excited about the idea of Joey Bosa wearing Buffalo Bills red, white, and blue — and forming a nasty trio with Rousseau and defensive tackle Ed Oliver. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s well-acquainted with Patrick Mahomes.
Los Angeles Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images
What do you have to say about Bosa’s release and the idea of him potentially joining the Bills — does trading for Myles Garrett still occupy all your attention?
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