The Los Angeles Chargers have a tough decision to make regarding Joey Bosa, the star pass rusher who has been the face of their defense for years. Bosa, when healthy, remains one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, but injuries and a massive contract have put the Chargers in a difficult spot. With a $25.3 million cap hit for 2025 and a new era under Jim Harbaugh, could Los Angeles actually consider moving on from Bosa?
Why Trading Bosa Makes Sense
When Bosa is on the field, he’s a game-wrecker. His ability to collapse the pocket, force fumbles, and dominate one-on-one matchups makes him a premier pass rusher. But here’s the issue—he hasn’t been on the field enough. Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, and in 2024, he missed a significant portion of the season again.
With Harbaugh looking to reshape the roster, the Chargers must decide if they want to keep paying top dollar for a player who hasn’t been consistently available. Trading Bosa before the season would save over $25 million in cap space, giving the Chargers more flexibility to build a deeper, more sustainable defensive front.
Who Would Be Interested?
Even with his injury history, Bosa would have plenty of suitors. Elite pass rushers don’t become available often, and teams looking for an impact edge rusher would take a chance on him, including:
- Baltimore Ravens – They always prioritize strong defense, and Bosa would be an instant difference-maker.
- Detroit Lions – A young contender looking for one more piece to solidify their front seven.
- Kansas City Chiefs – If they want to keep dominating defensively, adding Bosa could make them even scarier.
Final Thoughts
Joey Bosa is still a star, but his availability and massive contract make him a risky long-term investment. The Chargers need to get younger and more reliable on defense, and moving Bosa now could help them restructure their roster for the future.
For Los Angeles, this isn’t about talent—it’s about building a team that can win consistently. If Bosa isn’t in their long-term plans, trading him now could be the best decision for the franchise.
