The End of an Era: Joey Bosa Released by the Chargers
On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Chargers made a significant and emotional decision: they released linebacker Joey Bosa, marking the end of his nine-season tenure with the franchise. The move, while anticipated due to Bosa’s substantial salary cap number and a history of injuries, nonetheless stands as a poignant moment for the team and its fans. Bosa’s cap number for the 2025 season was a hefty $36.47 million, but by letting him go, the Chargers will save $25.36 million in cap space, a financial necessity in the increasingly competitive NFL landscape.
A Star’s Rise: From Ohio State to the Chargers
Joey Bosa’s journey to the NFL began at Ohio State, where he was a standout player and a formidable force on the defensive line. In 2016, the Chargers selected him third overall in the NFL Draft, making him the last player on the roster from the team’s San Diego era. Bosa quickly made an impact, capturing the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. His success on the field was recognized early, and in 2020, he inked a five-year extension worth $135 million, which at the time made him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. This significant contract reflected not only his talent but also the team’s belief in his potential to anchor their defense for years to come.
Highs and Lows: A Rollercoaster Career
Bosa’s time with the Chargers has been marked by both remarkable achievements and challenging moments. He has earned five Pro Bowl nods, a testament to his consistent excellence and the respect he commands among his peers. However, his career has also had its share of lows, both on and off the field. One particularly memorable incident occurred during the 2023 AFC wild-card round, where the Chargers blew a 27-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a moment of frustration, Bosa smashed his helmet on the ground, a vivid expression of his disappointment and the team’s struggles to maintain their lead. Such moments highlight the emotional intensity that Bosa brings to the game, a quality that has endeared him to many fans.
Battling Injuries: A Persistent Challenge
Injuries have been a persistent challenge for Bosa throughout his career. In 2024, he recorded just five sacks, his lowest total in the six seasons during which he played at least 12 games. This decline in performance was largely due to ongoing hip and back issues that limited his playing time and effectiveness. After a full 16-game season in 2021, Bosa saw the field for only 14 games combined in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He missed most of 2022 because of a groin injury but managed to return late in the year. However, he was sidelined again for the final seven games in 2023, this time due to a foot injury. These health setbacks have not only affected his performance but also influenced the team’s decision to part ways with him.
A Legacy of Impact: 72 Sacks and Counting
Despite the injuries and the emotional turbulence, Joey Bosa’s impact on the Chargers’ defense is undeniable. Since entering the league, he has amassed 72 sacks, a figure that ties him for 10th most in the NFL during that period and places him second in franchise history. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and generate pressure on the quarterback has been a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defensive strategy. Bosa’s presence on the field was a double-edged sword, bringing both intimidation and inspiration to his teammates, as well as frustration when his injuries kept him sidelined.
Moving Forward: The Chargers and Joey Bosa’s Next Chapter
As the Chargers move forward without one of their most prominent defensive players, the team will need to reevaluate its defensive lineup and potentially make strategic acquisitions or develop younger talent to fill the void left by Bosa’s departure. For Joey Bosa, the release opens a new chapter in his NFL career. At just 28 years old, he remains a highly sought-after player with the potential to continue making a significant impact at the next stop. The NFL is a business, and while the decision to release Bosa was financially motivated, it does not diminish the respect and admiration for his contributions to the Chargers over the past nine seasons. Bosa’s journey with the Chargers is a story of highs and lows, resilience and frustration, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant part of the team’s recent history.
