Joey Bosa, a former defensive end for Ohio State, is “likely” to be cut by the Chargers, according to reports.

Joey Bosa: A Likely Departure from the Los Angeles Chargers?

Joey Bosa, one of the most highly touted defensive ends in recent NFL history, might be facing an uncertain future with the Los Angeles Chargers. The reports that the Chargers could be “likely” to part ways with Bosa have sparked a wave of discussion among fans, analysts, and football insiders. A former standout at Ohio State, Bosa’s potential release marks a significant moment not only for the Chargers but also for the NFL at large. Bosa, who has been an integral part of the Chargers’ defensive unit for several seasons, has faced both accolades and struggles during his tenure in Los Angeles. With his potential departure now a topic of discussion, the future for Bosa, the Chargers, and the NFL may be in for some dramatic changes.

This piece takes a deep dive into Joey Bosa’s career, his impact on the Chargers’ defense, the possible reasons behind his likely departure, and what his future could look like if he were to be cut. In addition, we will explore what this means for the Chargers, their salary cap situation, and what a team would gain by acquiring Bosa if he does, indeed, become available.

Joey Bosa’s Rise at Ohio State

Before Joey Bosa became one of the top defensive players in the NFL, he was making waves in college football as a dominant force at Ohio State. Bosa’s career at Ohio State was marked by both individual accolades and team success. As a sophomore, he emerged as one of the most feared pass rushers in the country, recording 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. His performance helped the Buckeyes win the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015.

Bosa’s combination of strength, explosiveness, and football IQ allowed him to disrupt offenses in a variety of ways. He played a key role in Ohio State’s defense, and his ability to rush the passer from the edge made him an impossible matchup for opposing offensive lines. By the time he left Ohio State for the NFL, Bosa had firmly established himself as one of the most talented defensive ends in the country. His success at Ohio State paved the way for his selection as the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Chargers.

Bosa’s NFL Journey: Impact and Injuries

Joey Bosa’s transition to the NFL was a seamless one. Upon joining the Chargers, he quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. Bosa’s impact was felt immediately, as he recorded 10.5 sacks in his rookie season and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield quickly established him as one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Bosa’s skills were on full display during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where he recorded 15.5 sacks and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. His ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm and generate consistent pressure allowed him to be a centerpiece of the Chargers’ defense. Bosa’s style of play, marked by quickness, power, and an unrelenting motor, made him a constant threat in the trenches.

However, Bosa’s career has not been without its setbacks. Injuries have played a significant role in his tenure with the Chargers, particularly during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 2020, Bosa missed multiple games due to various injuries, including a foot injury that required surgery. These injury issues have cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar career, leading to concerns about his ability to stay healthy over the long term.

Despite the injury setbacks, Bosa’s talent has never been in question. When healthy, he remains one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. However, the inability to stay on the field for a full season has become a critical factor in the Chargers’ evaluation of his future with the team.

The Likelihood of Bosa Being Cut

Reports indicating that Bosa is “likely” to be cut by the Chargers have raised questions about the future of the star defensive end. On the surface, the decision seems surprising, given Bosa’s level of talent and the impact he has had on the field. However, when examining the situation more closely, several factors contribute to why this might be the direction the Chargers are considering.

1. Salary Cap Constraints

One of the most significant reasons why Bosa might be on his way out of Los Angeles is the team’s salary cap situation. In the NFL, salary cap space is a limited resource, and teams must carefully manage player contracts to ensure they have the flexibility to build a competitive roster. Bosa, who is currently one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league, has a contract that could put a strain on the Chargers’ cap space.

Bosa’s contract, signed in 2020, includes significant guaranteed money, including a five-year, $135 million deal. While this contract was well-deserved at the time, the Chargers may be finding it difficult to justify such a high financial commitment given Bosa’s injury history and the team’s current roster needs. The Chargers have a talented quarterback in Justin Herbert, who will soon be up for a contract extension, and the team will need to prioritize cap space for Herbert’s long-term deal, as well as other key players.

As teams across the NFL continue to manage salary cap space more aggressively, cutting or trading high-priced veterans like Bosa could be a way for the Chargers to clear up necessary room. This decision would allow the Chargers to focus on future investments while keeping their core pieces in place. The salary cap situation in the NFL often leads to tough decisions, and Bosa’s high salary may be a factor in why the team could consider moving on from him.

2. Injury Concerns

Another factor that plays into the likelihood of Bosa being cut is his injury history. While he has undeniably been a dominant force when healthy, his inability to consistently stay on the field has raised concerns. Injuries are an inherent part of the NFL, and every player faces the risk of being sidelined at some point during their career. However, when injuries start to pile up for a player as talented as Bosa, it can create doubts about their long-term viability.

The Chargers have made it clear that they are in a win-now mode with a franchise quarterback like Herbert leading the offense. As such, they need to ensure that their defense is operating at full capacity. Bosa’s injuries have left the team in a precarious situation, as they cannot afford to rely on a player who might be unavailable for significant portions of the season. With the Chargers’ defense needing stability, the team may ultimately decide to move on from Bosa, even if it means parting ways with a fan favorite and a star player.

3. Depth on the Defensive Line

The Chargers’ defensive line has been bolstered in recent years, and the team now has depth at the position that could allow them to absorb the loss of Bosa without a drastic decline in production. Players like Khalil Mack and Austin Johnson have been solid contributors, and the Chargers are likely to continue strengthening the defensive line through both the draft and free agency. Given the increasing number of quality pass rushers available on the market, the Chargers may feel that they can replace Bosa’s production without having to pay the hefty price tag that comes with keeping him on the roster.

By cutting Bosa, the Chargers could redirect their resources to other areas of the roster, including bolstering the offensive line, improving their secondary, or addressing other defensive needs. While Bosa would certainly leave a void in the pass rush, the team may feel that they can build a more balanced and cohesive defense without his expensive contract hanging over them.

What’s Next for Bosa?

If the Chargers do indeed cut Joey Bosa, the next steps for him will be closely watched by the entire NFL. Bosa is still considered one of the league’s premier pass rushers, and many teams will likely line up to inquire about his availability. Several franchises will be looking to bolster their defensive lines, and Bosa could be a highly sought-after commodity, especially if he is healthy and playing at a high level.

The teams that might be interested in Bosa could include franchises with playoff aspirations and a need for a high-level pass rusher. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins could all be in the market for an elite edge rusher like Bosa. These teams have the financial flexibility and need for a dominant defensive presence, and Bosa’s experience and ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback would make him a valuable asset.

Moreover, Bosa’s ties to Ohio State could spark interest from teams with connections to the Buckeyes program, further increasing his market value. While it remains to be seen whether a potential move will be permanent or whether Bosa will need to prove his health and ability, one thing is certain: he still has a lot to offer the NFL.