Los Angeles Chargers release pass rusher Joey Bosa
The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing pass rusher Joey Bosa, the franchise announced. As a result, they will save more than $25 million in salary cap space.
Bosa was due to make $36.5 million in 2025, which marked the final year of his contract, according to Spotrac. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said the trigger for his release was the $12.36 million roster bonus he was due next week, which is why the Chargers had to act before free agency begins.
All told, the Chargers will save $25.36 million against the salary cap by moving on from Bosa. He made five Pro Bowls during his time in Los Angeles and totaled 72 tackles during that time.
The Chargers – the in San Diego – selected Bosa as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. In 2014, he won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and became a unanimous All-American en route to the title.
Bosa immediately made an impact on the Chargers. He won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 as he recorded 10.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits. The next season, he made his first pro bowl as his numbers improved to 70 total tackles and 12.5 sacks – both of which still stand as career-highs.
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This past year, Bosa returned to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2021. Over 14 appearances, including nine starts, he totaled 22 tackles and 5.0 sacks to anchor the Chargers defense in Year 1 under Jim Harbaugh.
By moving on from Bosa, the Chargers will improve their salary cap situation. They entered free agency with $66 million in cap space, but faced some tough decisions, including what to do with fellow pass rusher Khalil Mack. He’s set to enter free agency this year after making a third straight Pro Bowl.
Joey Bosa now enters the free agent market immediately and is free to sign with any team right away. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he’ll have his options, including potentially with the San Francisco 49ers and joining forces with his brother Nick Bosa once again.
NFL free agency officially begins next week as the offseason kicks fully into gear. The legal tampering window opens March 10 at 11 a.m. ET, and players can officially sign March 12 when the new league year officially begins.