After a very successful turnaround under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers made their way back to the playoffs this past season.
Though they were eliminated in the first round by the Houston Texans, the team showed promise and is poised for further growth.
However, as the Chargers look to take the next step, one key player’s future with the franchise is uncertain – star pass rusher Joey Bosa.
Bosa, who has spent his entire career with the Chargers since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, is reportedly a candidate to be moved this offseason.
There has been increasing speculation that the Chargers may part ways with Bosa, with ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano suggesting that cutting Bosa could be a likely outcome.
“The people I talk to think that’s the likely outcome, but they thought the same thing last year, and Bosa and the Chargers were able to get a deal done to keep him there,” Graziano said.
“He’s scheduled to make $25.36 million this season, but nearly half of that comes in the form of a $12.36 million roster bonus due next month. So while none of his 2025 money is guaranteed, the Chargers would obviously want to decide by the time they have to pay that roster bonus.”
While cutting Bosa may seem like a realistic move, keeping him could still benefit the team.
Graziano noted that with fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack set to hit unrestricted free agency and the Chargers unable to franchise Mack, retaining Bosa could become a priority.
“With Khalil Mack eligible for unrestricted free agency and the Chargers contractually prohibited from franchising Mack, keeping Bosa — who had five sacks in 2024 — could turn out to be a priority,” Graziano continued.
“That is, unless they want to overhaul their entire edge rush the way they did their wide receiver corps last year (which is possible).”
At 29 years old, Bosa is nearing the end of his prime, and while he remains a very productive player, the Chargers may decide that his performance no longer justifies the high cost of his contract.
Over the years, Bosa has been one of the NFL’s top defenders, but the team’s current direction and salary cap situation could influence their decision.
As the Chargers aim to continue their upward trajectory following a successful 2024 season, the Bosa situation is one of the key storylines to watch this offseason.
How the team handles this decision could impact the shape of their defense moving forward.
What are your thoughts on the Bosa situation? … By all accounts, Harbaugh wants to keep him. But is he really worth that price tag???
