Joey Bosa Released by Chargers, Navigates Free Agency

LOS ANGELES — Joey Bosa, the Los Angeles Chargers‘ longtime outside linebacker, was released on Wednesday, a move that clears $25.36 million in salary cap space. The 29-year-old, who has spent his entire nine-season career with the Chargers, faces the prospect of navigating free agency for the first time.

Bosa had a successful career with the Chargers, becoming one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Drafted third overall in 2016 from Ohio State, he quickly established himself as a dominant force, winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 10.5 sacks and earning Pro Bowl selections four times in his first six seasons.

Over his career, Bosa amassed 72 sacks, second only to franchise leader Leslie O’Neal, who recorded 105.5 sacks. Despite his talent, injuries have plagued Bosa in recent years, limiting him to just 28 games over the past three seasons.

“I’ve felt like I’ve been letting my team down by missing these games,” Bosa said last season. “And it just sucks how these years have gone.”

Even in a challenging 2024 season, Bosa made his fifth Pro Bowl, albeit as an alternate, and played a season-high 14 games. Last January, during the Chargers’ playoff loss, he still demonstrated his effectiveness with a team high of six pressures.

Despite a significant cap hit of $36.4 million for 2025, the decision to release Bosa was seen as a necessary one by the team’s management, which had previously expressed admiration for him.

“He’s always been that player,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, acknowledging Bosa’s skills and contributions. However, the franchise’s long-term considerations regarding salary cap space made the move anticipated.

Bosa’s possible next step includes signing with another NFL team. Earlier in the offseason, he expressed interest in the potential of playing alongside his brother, Nick Bosa, who is also among the league’s top pass rushers.

“It’d be cool at some point,” he remarked. “I always thought of myself being somebody that will play here and retire here, but you never know.”

As Bosa embarks on this new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy etched in Chargers history, characterized by exceptional performance, resilience, and ambition.