The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing veteran pass-rusher Joey Bosa after nine years. The Chargers drafted Bosa third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, making Bosa’s rookie season the team’s last in San Diego before its relocation.
Chargers Release Joey Bosa
Bosa leaves the Chargers after nine years, after registering 72 sacks in 107 appearances for the team. Bosa’s 72 sacks are the second-most all-time by a Charger, fewer than only Leslie O’Neal’s 105.5.
Releasing five-time Pro-Bowl selection Joey Bosa saves the Chargers $25.36 million against their cap. https://t.co/ED3BhuQabZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
The move saves the Chargers $25.36 million in cap space, giving the team the third-most cap space for 2025, behind only the Raiders and Patriots. Still only 29, Bosa will have a market for 2025 and beyond, but without a double-digit-sack season since 2021, teams are unlikely to be backing up the truck to sign him.
What Do the Chargers Need?
The Chargers are in need of receiving help, with 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston failing to impress in his first two seasons. The 6’4″ receiver has flashed at times, with exceptional athleticism, but his production has been inconsistent, to say the least. Ladd McConkey stood out as Justin Herbert’s most reliable and productive pass-catching weapon in 2024, but the team lacks a dominant outside receiver.
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With several eye-catching options on the free agents market, like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, as well as former Charger Keenan Allen, the Chargers will almost certainly be putting some of their money there. Seattle Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf has also requested a trade away from the team, so the Chargers will have options.
DK Metcalf has recorded 900-plus receiving yards in every season since entering the league in 2019.
Seattle parted ways with Tyler Lockett earlier today after 10 seasons, and now faces a trade request from Metcalf. https://t.co/wgVVnkspJn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Head coach Jim Harbaugh also has some work to do on his defense. The team gave up 4.7 yards per rush attempt in 2024, the sixth-most in the league. The team was tied second for the fewest passing yards per attempt allowed, though, with 6.7. If Harbaugh wants to bring more pressure to stop the run, he’ll need to address the imbalance on his defense and bring in more run-stoppers to allow for a more aggressive approach.
What Next For Bosa?
Bosa’s legacy as a fan favorite and franchise legend is safe and he leaves the organization with his head held high. Upon the announcement of his release, the Chargers posted a video montage to Bosa, capturing the five-time Pro-Bowler’s sense of humor.
for all the mems 🫶 pic.twitter.com/mFf05RwuZO
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers)
Bosa has played his whole career with the Chargers to this point, so free agency will be a new challenge to navigate. Bosa regularly stated that he planned to remain with the team until retirement and even took a pay cut in 2024 to stay in Los Angeles.
Joining his brother, Nick, in San Francisco has been mentioned in the past. The 49ers ranked 25th in both quarterback pressure percentage and quarterback hits in 2024, so an extra Bosa could come in handy for Kyle Shanahan’s men.
Whatever team Bosa ends up on, though, will have a leader on their defense and a high-level pass-rusher. Though not quite hitting the heights that he did in the early years of his professional career, Bosa will be back making big plays for a new team in 2025.
