The Los Angeles Chargers released five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa to clear $25 million in cap space. However, his previous contract will still count for $11,111,668 in dead money for the 2025 NFL season. Bosa signed a five-year, $135 million contract extension during the 2020 offseason and agreed to a two-year, $40.36 million restructured contract last year.
The Chargers selected the former Ohio State standout in the first round (third overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. It didn’t take long for Bosa to show his defensive prowess in the pros, as he won Defensive Rookie of the Year. In his first season with the Chargers, Bosa had 10.5 sacks and 41 combined tackles in 12 games.
The following year, he earned his first of five Pro Bowl selections after tallying career highs in sacks (12.5) and tackles (70) in 16 games. Bosa earned Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2021 and in 2024.
Meanwhile, his release is the end of an era, because he was the last player on the Chargers roster when they still represented San Diego. However, it won’t take long before the 29-year-old edge rusher finds a new NFL home because he is one of the best at his position. He’s had double-digit sacks in four seasons and has 72 in nine years with the Chargers.
-Lance Fernandez