Joey Bosa's Legacy with the Chargers

Joey Bosa, the Chargers' second all-time leading sack artist, was released on Wednesday after a career marked by both dominance and injury setbacks. Over nine seasons with the franchise, Bosa amassed 72 sacks, ranking behind only Leslie O'Neal (105.5) in Chargers history. His departure was anticipated due to a combination of a massive $36.5 million cap hit for 2025 and his recent struggles to stay healthy.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Bosa's tenure in Los Angeles (and previously San Diego) was a tale of brilliance and frustration. Drafted third overall in 2016, he quickly made an impact, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He became one of the league's premier edge rushers, making four Pro Bowls in his first six seasons and setting an NFL record with 19 sacks in his first 20 games.

However, injuries plagued his later years. In 2023, he played just nine games due to foot, hamstring, and toe issues. Despite a strong start in 2024, including a standout performance in Week 1 against the Raiders, Bosa was limited by a glute strain and sciatic nerve issues that caused him to miss significant time. He played in 14 games but saw his production dip, finishing with five sacks—a far cry from his prime.

The Decision to Move On

The Chargers' decision to release Bosa was driven by financial pragmatism. His $36.5 million cap hit for 2025 was untenable for a player who had missed 16 games over the past two seasons. The move saves the team $25.36 million, giving them much-needed flexibility heading into free agency.

What’s Next for Bosa?

At 29, Bosa remains a tantalizing talent for teams in need of a pass rusher. Despite his injury history, his ability to impact games when healthy is undeniable. His final game as a Charger showcased his enduring skill, as he recorded a team-high six pressures and a sack in a playoff loss to the Houston Texans.

Bosa has expressed interest in playing with his brother, Nick, a standout for the San Francisco 49ers, though such a move remains speculative. Teams with cap space and a need for defensive firepower, such as the Chicago Bears or Atlanta Falcons, could be potential suitors.

Chargers' Future Without Bosa

With Bosa gone, third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is poised to take on a larger role. Tuipulotu led the Chargers with 8.5 sacks in 2024 and represents the next generation of talent on their defense. His development will be crucial as the team rebuilds under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz.

Conclusion

Joey Bosa's Chargers career ended with a mix of appreciation for his contributions and acknowledgment of its natural conclusion. As he embarks on the next phase of his NFL journey, the league will be watching to see if he can recapture his past dominance and write a new chapter in a storied career.