The Los Angeles Chargers found renewed success under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. They made the playoffs but lost to the Houston Texans in the wild card round. Many applauded Harbaugh because he inherited a roster that he did not have a hand in building. It was full of expensive veterans who were supposed to help the team compete for a Super Bowl. That did not happen, and now the front office has to see where they can create cap space. Late Wednesday night, the Chargers released five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa.
Los Angeles Chargers Release Joey Bosa
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Los Angeles Chargers will release Joey Bosa. He followed it up with the reason why. It saves the team a whopping $25.36 million in salary cap. If the Chargers were to keep a player making that much money on the roster, he better be producing. Bosa has not lived up to his contract and draft pick status. The team took him third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, and initially, he looked like the next great edge rusher.
After racking up 22.5 sacks through his first two seasons, injuries started to be an issue. Since 2018, Bosa has only been able to play a full season twice. Three of the seasons he was unable to play in more than nine games. When he was on the field, he made an impact, but too often, he could not stay on the field. He ends his nine-year career with the Los Angeles Chargers with 72 sacks, 343 tackles, and 17 forced fumbles. Even with the injury history, he will be a top free agent on the market.
Top Free Agent
Joey Bosa immediately becomes a top free agent in the NFL. While injuries are a concern, it is impossible to predict when those will happen. Any team would be happy to have him on their team for the right price. Many contenders would love to sign him to a deal to bolster their pass rush without having to give up draft capital in a trade.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, the move makes sense. It is time to move on to a new era. Justin Herbert needs more weapons at wide receiver. While Ladd McConkey was one of the best draft picks last year, the rest of the pass catchers leave a lot to be desired. Furthermore, the team can fill multiple holes with the cap savings.
Final Thoughts
This is a move that could work out great for both sides. Bosa gets a chance to pick his team and maybe compete for a Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Chargers get to build a team that works with the playstyle of Harbaugh and augments what Herbert does well. Where will Bosa end up? That is a question that will hopefully get answered soon.
