The Los Angeles Chargers' decision to let long-time pass rusher Joey Bosa walk last offseason was a painful one. He had spent nine seasons with the Chargers as one of their alpha defenders, but as his decline began, it was time for Los Angeles to move on from him.
He had dealt with major injuries in 2022 and 2023. Although his 2024 season wasn't entirely unproductive (he amassed five sacks across 14 games), it was clear that his days as a highly disruptive piece off the edge had come to an end.
With their acquisition of Odafe Oweh and, now, their selection of Akheem Mesidor in the first round, combined with the emergence of Tuli Tuipuluto as an All-Pro-caliber pass rusher, he hasn't necessarily been missed in Los Angeles. But he earned his keep in 2025 on a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. Across 15 games in Buffalo, he posted five sacks, 47 total pressures, and nine tackles for loss, per Pro Football Focus.
Although whatever sliver of a door was open for a reunion in Los Angeles quickly closed this offseason, Bosa deserves to find another NFL home even at this point in his career. Unfortunately, however, his opportunities continue to close before his eyes as the offseason wears on.
Joey Bosa will struggle to find a new home in the second half of free agency
The good news for Bosa is that he's among the premier pass rushers remaining on the market. Although his contract value will likely come in significantly lower than the $13 million originally projected by Spotrac, his athleticism and physical tools still put him ahead of free agents like Haason Reddick and Leonard Floyd.
It still remains unclear, however, where he'll end up. Buffalo seems to have indicated interest in re-signing him, but their addition of Bradley Chubb in free agency and their $12 million remaining in cap space makes that far from a guarantee.
The Seattle Seahawks, who were linked to Bosa on the open market, just added veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. The Detroit Lions, who have long needed to add pass-rush help alongside Aidan Hutchinson, spent their second-round pick on Derrick Moore out of Michigan.
Even the Chicago Bears, who are in need of additional pass rush help, are likely going to turn towards internal development to provide the juice they need on their defensive front, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.
It's not as though there aren't options remaining for Bosa. The San Francisco 49ers need help defensively, and uniting Bosa with his brother, Nick, would be an attractive option in addition to a compelling storyline.
But as the offseason wears on, it's clear that Bosa's days in the NFL are coming to an end. It's a sad reality to face for a player who was an integral part of the Chargers organization for almost a decade.
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