Joey Bosa Takes Pay Cut to Stay with Chargers Amid Speculation
Commitment to the Team
Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa, facing a whirlwind of offseason trade rumors and salary cap concerns, has decided to remain with the team this season. Bosa had two years remaining on a five-year, $135 million contract extension signed in 2020. Despite the speculation around his future, Bosa opted to restructure his deal in March, taking a pay cut to stay with the Chargers. Given the salary cap issues, Bosa was widely viewed as a potential cut or trade candidate. However, by adjusting his contract, he ensured an $8 million guaranteed base salary for this season, although there is no guaranteed money for him in 2025. As it stands, this year might mark Bosa's final season in Los Angeles.
A One-Team Career
Bosa has emphasized his desire to stay with the Chargers and expressed interest in playing for one team throughout his entire career. He stated, "I always thought of myself being somebody that will play here and retire here, which I think not many people do on one team, and I think would be a cool thing to accomplish, but you never know. I'm going to worry about this year first." His focus is now firmly on winning games and contributing to the team's success alongside teammate Khalil Mack. Bosa’s attitude clearly demonstrates his priorities as he looks forward to the upcoming season.
Overcoming Challenges
The past two seasons have been challenging for Bosa due to various injuries. He missed significant time with hamstring, foot, and toe injuries, and his 2022 season was cut short after spraining his foot in Week 11. His injury recovery included offseason surgery on his finger for a separate injury. However, Bosa is feeling optimistic about his physical condition heading into the new season. He commented, "My foot's feeling great. Toe's good. The hamstring's good. I mean, there was a list of things last year, my hand, so all those things are good. It's nice to be feeling better going into year nine than you have since maybe five, six years ago."
Last season, despite the injuries, Bosa showed his capabilities with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 9 win over the Jets. He is confident in both his body and performance, noting, "I've said I've been feeling great the last couple years. It's the real deal this time, but obviously anything can happen, but it's fun, feeling really confident in your body and being able to perform."
Focus on the Future
Bosa is eagerly looking forward to training camp and the matchups against rookie Joe Alt. He jokingly stated, "I'm going to need to beat him up a little bit in camp so he's ready. We'll see in a few weeks, when I lay a helmet on his chin, how he holds up."
Leadership and Commitment
Joey Bosa's decision to take a pay cut underscores his commitment to the Chargers. His leadership and skillset will be pivotal for the team this year. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hopeful that Bosa can help lead the team to victory. Bosa himself emphasized, "Winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money. I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially Khalil [Mack]."
Bosa is also open to his future in the NFL: "I think we have a great opportunity here, and who knows, maybe I'll have a great year this year, and then things can change down the road."
As the season approaches, Bosa’s commitment to the Chargers and his focus on winning set a positive tone for the team. His determination to return to peak physical condition reflects his unwavering dedication to the sport and his teammates. Joey Bosa’s journey with the Chargers continues, and fans eagerly await what this season holds for the passionate linebacker.