Thanks to a new coaching hire, the New Orleans Saints could land a big addition to their pass rush in free agency.
The Los Angeles Chargers made a surprising move by releasing nine-year pass rusher Joey Bosa. While unexpected, the decision was understandable due to a string of injury-plagued seasons and his age. Despite these circumstances, the five-time Pro Bowler is expected to draw interest from many teams due to his past success.
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) celebrates after a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In February, New Orleans announced the hiring of San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley as their new defensive coordinator. Staley is a former head coach of the Chargers, coaching the team from 2021-2023.
Staley is expected to implement a new scheme in New Orleans, transforming the long-time 4-3 team to a 3-4 defense. With this change, the team will need to acquire the proper personnel to make the switch. Some players, such as Bryan Bresee, may have to change position, while the Saints will go through the draft and free agency to fill out the rest of their defensive roster.
Here's where Bosa comes in. Bosa spent three years with Staley from 2021-2023, with his 2021 season being arguably the best of his career statistically. Bosa played a 3-4 linebacker in the Chargers system and fills in perfectly in the Saints' defense as a potential replacement for Chase Young and Payton Turner, who both are set to hit free agency.
As a three-tech pass rusher, Bosa has a large frame and long arms that help him control the outside of the pocket. While his pass rush production has declined, the veteran edge rusher continues to be a difference-maker in the run game.
Along with his connection to Brandon Staley, Bosa could land with New Orleans if the market for the veteran pass rusher is slow. Teams may hesitate to sign Bosa after he missed 23 games over the last three seasons. The Saints have proven to be a team willing to take chances on injured-prone edge rushers after signing Chase Young last offseason. Young's signing was relatively successful, but New Orleans may not be able to retain the promising pass rusher.
A contract for Bosa would likely be a one-year rental similar to Young's one-year, $13 million deal. Another comparison is the Carolina Panthers signing of then 31-year-old pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a two-year, $20 million contract. Clowney and Bosa have had similar production in recent seasons and are just three years apart in age. Although the market for the two players isn't identical, the similarities could provide an idea of what a potential contract would look like.
If the Saints are as committed to trying to win the NFC South with first-year head coach Kellen Moore, they'll have to make some splash moves to acquire more talent on the roster. Bosa's connections to the team's coaching along with previous high-caliber seasons make the veteran pass rusher an intriguing possible addition.
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 5:18 AM.