Harbaugh didn’t outright say Bosa’s time is up, but we can read between the lines.
After effectively utilizing limited resources last year, the LA Chargers now have a significant opportunity to enhance their roster for the 2025 season with the resources available during the upcoming offseason. With ample cap space and a wealth of draft picks, general manager Joe Hortiz is poised to be active in acquiring new talent.
However, changes are also on the horizon, as several free agents are likely to leave Los Angeles, adding to the list of exits. Among these potential departures, the Chargers may need to consider a significant salary cap cut this season.
One major decision involves Joey Bosa, whom the Chargers could cut or trade to free up 25.36millionincapspacefor2025.Ifheremainsontheroster,Bosawouldaccountforahefty 36.4 million cap hit. Despite that cost, he is still a prominent name in the league, presenting the Chargers with a tough choice regarding his future.
Yet, the decision may not be as complicated as it seems, especially given recent comments from Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh, who expressed enthusiasm about bringing back free-agent edge rusher Khalil Mack. Their strong commitment to re-signing Mack could indicate Bosa’s impending departure.
It now appears increasingly probable that Joey Bosa will be traded or released. If Bosa were to stay on the roster for 2025, it would complicate the effort to re-sign Mack. While depth is always valuable, committing a significant salary to Mack at his age, alongside Bosa’s $ 36.4 million hit, would not be the most strategic move.
Spending around $ 60 million on edge rushers wouldn’t be wise when there are numerous other needs to address, particularly with players like Tuli Tuipulotu and the upcoming NFL Draft available to strengthen that position.
However, if the Chargers are determined to bring back Mack, it may signal an expectation of needs and available resources. The team could potentially re-sign Mack for less than the savings from releasing Bosa, effectively replacing Bosa with Mack while also saving money.
Had Bosa enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, this conversation might not even arise, but he continued to struggle with injuries, missing more time after being injury-prone in the previous two seasons, finishing with just 39 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus.
Bosa hasn’t surpassed 40 pressures in a season since 2021, which is also the last time he recorded double-digit sacks. He ranked 36th among all edge rushers in PFF’s pass-rushing productivity metric, making a $ 36 million salary for such production questionable.
In contrast, Mack ranked 24th—though not a significant upgrade over Bosa, he proved to be more productive and would be available at a lower price.
Additionally, releasing Bosa could benefit the Chargers by potentially netting them a third-round pick in a trade, as he remains a notable name capable of attracting interest from teams seeking a pass-rusher.
With ample cap space available, a team like the New England Patriots could consider trading a draft pick for Bosa, as they find themselves in a position similar to the Chargers when they originally traded for Mack.
Ultimately, whether a trade occurs or who it may involve, it seems clear that Joey Bosa’s time with the Chargers is coming to an end.
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