Why Chargers released 5-time Pro Bowl pass rusher after 9 seasons
Another Pro Bowl-level player has hit the open market.
The Los Angeles Chargers have released pass rusher Joey Bosa, the team announced Wednesday night.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Bosa became one of the best Chargers pass rushers in franchise history. The third overall pick by the Chargers in 2016, Bosa compiled 343 tackles, 72 sacks, 87 tackles for loss and 17 forced fumbles in 107 career regular-season games over nine seasons. His 72 sacks in the regular season rank No. 2 in team history and he tallied 50 career sacks faster than any Chargers player ever (67 games).
Bosa took a pay cut to remain with the Chargers last year. Entering the 2025 league year, he will be a free agent.
The Chargers saved $25.36 million against their cap by releasing Bosa.
Why did the Chargers release Joey Bosa?
Bosa was considered a cut candidate by Los Angeles due to his $36.4 million cap hit in 2025.
While still a productive edge rusher, Bosa has battled injuries throughout his career. He’s only played in 14 or more games in a season four times. He was limited to 18 total starts the past three years due to various injuries.
The Chargers drafted Bosa No. 3 overall in the 2016 NFL draft and he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in his inaugural season after posting 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He was the longest-tenured Chargers player.
Bosa is still just 29 years old (he turns 30 in July). Despite his injury history, he is expected to have plenty of suitors during free agency.
Bosa’s younger brother, Nick, is a Pro Bowl pass rusher for the San Francisco 49ers.
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